Applies the anthropological concepts of culture shock and ethnocentricity to problems of computer and nonprint literacy in an electronic library. The role of librarians as agents of socialization is discussed, and the concept of education as a lengthy, ongoing process is considered. (Contains 12 references.) (LRW)

Discusses library user education in terms of content, impact, and limitations. Evaluation studies of library instruction are discussed; future possibilities are examined, including lifelong learning and the impact of change on libraries; and the Gateway to Information, an online user help system developed by the Ohio State University Library, is…

This new column describes Internet and provides a guide to its resources for new users. The hierarchical organization of Internet is explained; library applications including cataloging, bibliographic instruction, government documents, interlibrary loan, reference, and serials are described; access to Internet is explained; common problems are…

Five brief papers explore the issues of "ownership" and proprietary interest in the online catalog, relationships between technical services and public services in the design and management of the catalog, and opportunities presented by the new technologies to alter ways of working together. (CLB)

The lead article in this section argues that the profession's current focus on technology has compromised academic librarianship's scholarly values, eroded the quality of rhetoric between librarians and patrons, and contributed to the ascendancy of information over knowledge. Renewal of the teaching function and reaffirmation of traditional values…

The third volume of this handbook for professionals in librarianship, archival studies, and information science in Eastern and Southern Africa focuses on the user of information and documentation establishments in Kenya. The six papers included in this collection are: (1) "The Online User in a Developing Country: The Case of Kenya" (S.…

The second of two articles on the acquisition and implementation of a large laserdisk service at Texas A&M University covers equipment and supplies, future plans, service, staffing, training of staff and patrons, and statistics. A floor plan, user instruction sheet, and news release are included. (MES)

Discusses results of interviews with reference librarians that were conducted to investigate the effects of electronic reference options such as CD-ROM and OPACs (Online Public Access Catalogs). The work environment is described; changes in library instruction are considered; and the changing nature of reference work is discussed, including users'…

Describes the development at Indiana State University of a SuperCatalog, a computerized library catalog that provides access to both library holdings and locally loaded commercial databases, including ERIC and Wilson indexes. Software is discussed; the impact on staff, users, interlibrary loan, and library instruction is examined; and future…

Discusses the need for strategic planning in university libraries and describes the planning process, based on experiences at Brown University. Explains the role of task forces that were formed to address six main issues: service to users, collections, educational role, technology, staff development, and facilities and space. (LRW)

This report describes a three-stage catalog use study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Stout from 1982 through 1986 to determine the types of searches conducted and search success rates for both the card and online catalogs during the library's transition to the DataPhase Automated Library Information System (ALIS). Phase I, conducted…

The author of this article is an automation librarian, but at times he also works at the reference desk, as well as teaching library instruction and literacy classes. Working at the reference desk, he learns how users handle their library's information technology. This article explores the conclusions that the author has reached regarding the…

Discusses changes in academic libraries resulting from evolving technologies, and the need to train library patrons and staff in the use of electronic information systems. A review of the training literature and the results of three projects for supporting patron use of online systems are reported. (CLB)

Describes The Gateway, a computerized library system for undergraduate students that integrates access to multiple sources of information and provides embedded training on their use. A discussion of the general interface design principles is followed by the results of a preliminary evaluative study. Numerous sample screens illustrate the text. (13…

The information in this book was taken from 1990 annual reports submitted to the Texas State Library by public libraries in that state. The statistics reflect each library's 1990 local fiscal year, i.e., the fiscal year that includes January 1, 1990. The publication opens with general information about the Texas State Library governing or advisory…