This review of the positive and negative impact of centralization of library collections and services on library staff and quality of services focuses on reference services. The move from decentralized to centralized library services at Louisiana State University is discussed as well as the effect of automation on that configuration. (Author/CLB)

Reviews the traditional academic library services offered to faculty researchers and describes patterns of the academic research process. A more active librarian role in the research process is proposed, to be accomplished through understanding research in the information transfer process and the role of the researcher. (17 references) (CLB)

Describes a study that examined the appropriateness of database selection by patrons using CD-ROM. The findings discussed include the effect of search experience on appropriate database selection, whether the database used affected search strategies, and patrons' opinions about the need for training and the success of the searches. (three…

Reviews and describes the current crisis in science literacy and formulates an information-based definition of the term. Library issues and concerns are discussed, including the role of librarians in defining the information-seeking behavior of science-literate users, describing users' characteristics, and evaluating and applying appropriate…

A theoretical scheme classifies user behavior into three domains of library activity--affective, cognitive, and psychomotor--and three levels of learning--orientation, interaction, and internalization. Examples of library skills and errors in each of the nine major classes are given, and applications to library instruction are suggested.…

This last in a series of articles on scholarly communications and serials prices presents three viewpoints on serials publishing contributed by Ronald Dow, Karen Hunter, and Gregory Lozier. Topics discussed include serials pricing and library budgets, overseas publishers, copyright issues, electronic journals, how to meet the needs of the scholar,…

Describes a study that investigated whether academic library patrons searching Agricola on CD-ROM would be willing to use an online updating system to obtain more current citations, the level of user satisfaction with the updating system, and the cost involved in making such a system available to all patrons searching Agricola on CD-ROM. (Four…

First published in 1944, this article predicts unprecedented growth for American university libraries, and examines the underlying causes of this growth. The use of microforms and cooperative cataloging to control library costs is recommended. A brief introduction to the article is included. (CLB)

Discussion of how scholars work and how they use information focuses on a case study of the use of new electronic resources by humanist scholars. Interviews with humanists at the University of Pennsylvania about their experiences with the RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network) database are discussed, including content, connectivity, user…

Discusses references collections in academic libraries and offers guidelines for placing materials in a reference collection that focus on their suitability for true reference functions and the expected frequency of use. Problems with poorly managed collections are discussed, and the importance of selection policies and weeding are emphasized. (37…

Argues that, if libraries are to maintain their role in learning and research, they need to shift their focus from documents to content and from collection to individuals. Topics discussed include library concerns in 1939, services made possible by technology, and the necessity to implement information management strategies on campus. (22…

This discussion of the special needs of foreign students in academic libraries focuses on bibliographic instruction and research skills. To meet these needs, strategies are suggested for identifying students who need special instruction; teaching research methods; increasing staff sensitivity; and designing a staff development workshop. (CLB)

Posits a positive association between an academic department's publishing output and (1) whether its coursework requires library use; (2) how frequently its faculty require their classes to take library tours; (3) its faculty's belief that library tours contribute to students' developing useful library skills; and (4) students' ability to use the…

Presents a collection development model appropriate for libraries whose primary purpose is to support undergraduate education, in which collection development initiatives are taken by the library with the advice of teaching faculty. The organizational prerequisites for client centered collection development are discussed and a step by step…

Reports on the results of two experiments testing the effectiveness of a concept-based computer tutorial for OPAC (online public access catalog) users. Factors that may have caused differences in results, including OPACs used in the experiments and the participants' different ability levels, are discussed. Findings are related to similar studies.…