Companies have developed a dizzying array of new software tools designed to do everything from assessing and monitoring students' progress to supporting a blended-learning environment to supplying entire curricula, complete with online activities and homework assignments. Educators seem to have developed a taste for these new digital tools,…

To determine the extent and success of the outsourcing of cataloging in academic libraries, a survey of 117 libraries investigated factors influencing the decision to outsource, reasons for outsourcing, what was outsourced, and how vendors were chosen. Results showed 28% of the libraries outsourced, of those, 47% would continue and 53% would…

This book provides descriptions of approximately 270 CD-ROM packages and series, and references to dozens of others, all which are especially suitable for libraries. Organized by subject, entries include the vendor price (when available), platform and hardware requirements, and availability of network versions. In addition, evaluative comments…

Increases in the availability of technology, the range of content software, and curriculum via the Internet have placed countless options in the hands of teachers. Similarly, increasing accountability has placed added pressure on teachers to meet stated objectives and ensure student performance. How can teachers optimize available technologies and…

This book serves as a manual for librarians and library students on the wide range of decisions and tasks related to bringing video material into the library collection. It outlines not only many of the milestones in the video industry from 1970 to 1994 but also many of the practices and trends in video marketing, pricing, and distribution. Advice…

Illustrates an approach for providing networked access to licensed databases over the Internet by positioning the library between patron and vendor. Describes how the gateway systems and database connection servers work and discusses how treatment of security has evolved with the introduction of the World Wide Web. Outlines plans to reimplement…

Six "silver bullets" that could raise student achievement are (1) set national standards;(2) make sure all students can read; (3) improve the quality of teaching; (4) demand from vendors better textbooks and teaching materials; (5) encourage charter schools; and (6) collaborate, coordinate, and redefine resources. (MLF)

Many librarians view procurement, with its myriad forms, procedures, and other organizational requirements, as a tedious or daunting challenge. This book simplifies the process, showing librarians how to successfully prepare a Request for Proposal (RFP) and make informed decisions when determining which vendors to use for purchasing library…

This book seeks to guide information providers in establishing accessible World Wide Web sites and acquiring the hardware and software needed by people with disabilities, focusing on access to the Internet using large print, voice, and Braille. The book also covers how to acquire the funds for adaptive technology, what type of equipment to choose,…

This sourcebook is an indexed compilation, on microfiches, of material published during 1992 and 1993 in "Library Technology Reports" (LTR) and "Library Systems Newsletter.""LTR" is a publication by the American Library Association (ALA) which provides critical evaluation of products and systems used in libraries,…

This expanded edition provides new information about successfully managing library acquisitions. Chapters include: "Acquisitions, the Organization, and the Future" (Carol Pitts Diedrichs and Karen A. Schmidt); "The Business of Book Publishing" (Patricia Glass Schuman and Charles Harmon); "The Business of Scholarly Journal Publishing" (Gary J.…

The aim of this book is to provide an overview of the management and use of information technology (infotech) in school library media centers, with emphasis on the possible applications of infotech in the school library program (including its use in school library management, in information services, and in curriculum-related applications) and…

This guide is designed to provide teachers in King County, Washington, with a single resource for much of the information needed to help students with disabilities transition from school to adult life and to make informed employment decisions. It begins by providing an overview of federal and state regulations that affect students with…

Discusses the planning process for migrating to a new library media center automation system, including identification of the need to migrate, solicitation of stakeholder support, enumeration of required attributes of a new system, writing the Request for Proposal (RFP), and maximizing vendor demonstrations. (MES)

In an era when patrons want access to CD-ROM resources but few libraries can afford to buy multiple copies, CD-ROM local area networks (LANs) are emerging as a cost-effective way to provide shared access. To help librarians make informed decisions, this manual offers information on: (1) the basics of LANs, a "local area network primer";…