In the summer of 2013, staff in the Access Services unit of an academic library began a cross-training and collaboration project in an effort to provide continued library service to the campus community. The cross-training was established in an attempt to address a shortage of staff as a result of budget cuts. The cross-training resulted in the…

In the spring of 2015, the University of Minnesota Libraries formed the Content Services department, which is comprised of Interlibrary Loan, Publishing Services, and the Copyright Permissions Service. These three service points, as well as additional Library units, work together with campus partners to save students money on their course…

Students with low-incidence disabilities frequently receive less than optimal psychoeducational services because the specialized tests and instructional materials required to meet their idiosyncratic needs often are unavailable due to budget constraints, inadequate training of school personnel, and the difficulty school personnel have keeping…

This annual report from the Colorado State Library describes highlights of developments that took place in the past year. Discussion includes Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) administration; school library media development; programs to promote library literacy and diversity; the State Publications Library; StateLINC distribution program…

Recommendations formulated by the New Jersey Library Association for its public library system are intended to help identify problems, provide a framework for further discussion and contribute to the continuing study of the New Jersey Library Network. Since the enactment of the State Library Aid Act of 1967, a network of 25 area reference…

Florida's Ask a Librarian service (http://www.askalibrarian.org) brings virtual reference to users at their moment of need via the Internet. Ask a Librarian is a growing service with 76 participating libraries including public, school, four-year, and community college libraries. The following article describes how Ask a Librarian was developed…

A brief history of library development in Colorado is followed by the outline of a plan which delineates four network programs: materials selection, interlibrary loan, reference/information, and communications. Though these programs are interrelated in numerous ways, they are considered here one by one. For each program, the purpose and need, the…

Reports on an initiative by the Toronto Public Library to create the "Virtual Reference Library" (VRL). Describes the first service to be offered, a Dewey application called "Science Net." Discusses the VRL and its precursor, objectives, basis for its funding, technical aspects, progress to date and future direction. (AEF)

Memorial Hall Library in Andover, Massachusetts wanted to offer live reference service online but with limited resources, they couldn't do it alone. The 24/7 Reference cooperative program administered by the California State Library required Memorial Hall's librarians to monitor only 10 hours a week in return for live reference coverage. Memorial…

Includes two reports: a report of the results of a survey of state library association executive officers that examined the practices and priorities given reference activities at state conferences; and an annotated bibliography of 100 books, articles, and dissertations published between 1980 and 1990 that discuss librarianship in Ghana. (12…

An invitational conference, attended by 200 library executives, practitioners and persons from allied fields, was held to explore progress and problems in library development in New York State. Special consideration was given to: (1) the application of data processing techniques for reference and research and (2) the improvement of information…

Traces the development of a new library/information center at the headquarters of the Aluminum Association, Inc., from the original idea through the first year's activities and accomplishments. Topics addressed include setting priorities, budgeting, establishing services, and selecting a computer based management system. Special library standards…

Presents a planning guide for implementation of online services at a public library, consisting of: (1) identification of public service goals and online reference objectives, (2) needs assessment, (3) manipulating the political environment, (4) project description, (5) time schedule, (6) preliminary budget, and (7) evaluation. (SW)

The purpose of this manual is to provide a structure for a comprehensive user education program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. It is intended to provide a general direction for librarians to review when developing new instructional programs or examining current programs. The purpose of this program is to provide basic library…

Discusses impacts of the Internet on reference services and changing roles for reference librarians. Describes a continuum of libraries (Sutton) from a paper-based (traditional) to a fully digital library. Examines K-12 uses and benefits of digital reference services (question-and-answer services sometimes referred to as AskA's). Describes K-12…