As libraries respond to new teaching and research practices in the twenty-first century, it is important to consider how to advertise library services. Users are often surprised to learn about the varied expertise of library staff and the many services the staff provides. To investigate this issue, the author designed a study to identify a more…

Discusses the creation of library computer information systems and shows the four phases incorporated by successful projects. Highlights include phase I: demonstrating a need for a new system; phase II: the development environment; phase III: guidelines to ensure the system will be useful; and phase IV: implementation and acceptance of the new…

Defines cultural sensitivity and discusses the need for librarians to be culturally sensitive to ensure that libraries are instrumental in staff and patron success. Highlights include a presentation of culturally sensitive learning programs and guidelines; an examination of related issues and trends occurring at the University of Arizona Library.…

Visually impaired people have the same information needs as sighted people. Just as sighted people might read a newspaper, listen to a CD or download electronic information from the Internet, visually impaired people also want access to relevant information in their chosen accessible format. Developing an efficient library service for…

This manual is written for any library planning to introduce a new or replacement automated system. It focuses on planning for an integrated system that computerizes a multiplicity of library functions using one common database. This second edition contains a new section on the preparation of a technology strategic plan, a section on developing…

Presents guidelines developed by RUSA (Reference and User Services Association), a division of the American Library Association, regarding collection development with user liaisons; meeting user needs for medical, legal, or business information; and bibliography preparation that includes a variety of formats such as nonprint materials and Web…

Presents guidelines for establishing and maintaining Young Adult services in the library. Discusses identifying the needs of young adults; developing the collection; marketing; programming; school outreach; networking; community visits and raising community awareness; popular culture; staff support and training; and professional associations and…

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…

This paper highlights some of the issues that arose during the drafting of a revised version of the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) Guidelines for Public Libraries. The sections of the new document are outlined as follows: (1) The Role and Purpose of the Public Library; (2) The Legal and Financial…

Describes how analysis of the circulation of federal government publications over a 40-month period at Western Illinois University revealed patterns of usage that allowed the library to make more informed collection management decisions. The most frequently circulated classes of government documents are listed as a guide for other depository…

This outline of standards is designed for administrators and committees concerned with libraries for religious congregations. The standards were developed based on the understanding that the church or synagogue library is a special library that serves the institution in which it is housed and which is supplemental to other libraries in the area,…

Describes the management principles used by the Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Library to develop information services that support the agency's mission. The discussion outlines the steps involved in an action plan for making a special library a major focal point for organizational information services. (CLB)

Selection and evaluation of electronic resources have prompted school librarians and media specialists to examine collection development guidelines and procedures. This article discusses criteria for selection and evaluation of CD-ROMs to meet the needs of the library, teachers, students, and curriculum. Includes forms for courseware description…

Urges the research library community, in which ownership is traded for access and competition for cooperation, to take concerted action to survive declining resources and the impact of electronic information technology. Concrete steps that can be taken toward contributing to a new world of scholarly communication are suggested. (Contains 12…

The process of selecting and maintaining the collection for the community consumes much of the staff's time in public libraries. Small libraries with fewer staff have less time for these activities. This handbook enables staff to use their time most efficiently while doing specific tasks; forms, checklists, and samples are used as guides. The main…