This paper discusses the impact national initiatives have had on individual higher education libraries in the United Kingdom (UK). Written from the perspective of an institutional library manager, the paper examines the interface between local electronic library provision and national developments. Individual institutions have been active in…

With the emergence of Web help services, libraries are no longer the lone providers of information. Today's researchers need to find quickly information that is usable, relevant, authoritative, and verifiable. To meet that need, libraries must adapt traditional strengths of acquiring, describing, and serving information to an environment that is…

Libraries are moving into an era that incorporates improvements of a library's existing databases, embraces the research results of the information-seeking process, and makes fundamental improvements by adding new databases such as WordFocus. These new systems should convert the frustrated user of today's online public access catalog (OPAC) into…

The Queensland Department of Education (Australia) developed a homesteading model as an alternative to the urban-built environment model of large multi-purpose networks. This resulted in the in-house development of a low-cost, stand-alone server and homepage. The charette technique was used to plan and design the Queensland Department of Education…

Providing service to visually impaired persons can provide a special challenge to librarians. This article provides suggestions on making libraries more accessible. Both technological solutions and staff training are addressed. (Author)

Discusses issues relevant to librarians implementing an intranet, including time and cost savings, training and technology, sharing information, information policies, and promoting Intranet services. Outlines the following roles for the proactive librarian: knowledge manager and World Wide Web administrator; promoter and committee member; editor,…

Examines current manifestations of museum-library partnerships in light of the post-object roles assumed independently by these institutions. Suggests that libraries assume a role traditionally associated with museums by incorporating objects into their collections. Two historical precedents and two models are presented. (Contains 65 references.)…

Describes issues raised during a major reorganization and consolidation of reference services at Oregon State University. Attitudes of reference librarians and library administrators are reported, steps involved in the reorganization are outlined, and reactions from faculty are discussed with emphasis on the need for cooperation between librarians…

Discusses a five-point approach for library media specialists about school-based management. The approach includes establishing priorities for the school library media program, developing strong community support and a public relations program, creating a support staff within the school, refining human relations, and using creative scheduling and…

The University of Washington (Seattle) developed an administrative process that integrates user needs assessment. The user-centered library is defined and assessment initiatives including policies, surveys, analysis of resource allocation, and professional development are discussed. (AEF)

A media specialist discusses methods for promoting a library media program. Highlights include a staff survey; monthly newsletters; community celebrity readings; fund raising; taped cable programs; flexibility; displays; communication with staff, parents, and students; supporting the principal and staff; and having a positive attitude. (AEF)

Academic libraries should focus on their users as customers and develop programs to meet expectations. Discusses gaps between expectations and management's perception of expectations and suggests strategies for enhancing satisfaction, communication, and management. (AEF)

Examines three publications as guides for evaluating library reference services and the potential of one for the development of children's services. Highlights include public library planning, limitations, output measures for children's materials and information services, and the library role. (AEF)

Ten years ago Wayne State University (WSU) libraries assimilated the university's media services unit. An analysis of its present facilities, services, collections, goals, and cost-recovery elements demonstrates the full-service WSU media center is a cost-effective, integral part of WSU library service. (Author/AEF)

Argues that bookstores are not superior and do not pose a threat to libraries. Discusses what libraries can learn from bookstores; where bookstores fall short; low wages of bookstore clerks; misshelving problems in bookstores due to the classification system; how the library classification system can be improved; and libraries' strengths. (AEF)