Describes five statewide academic library consortia providing access to electronic resources via the Internet: GALILEO in Georgia, the Louisiana Library Network, OhioLINK, TexShare in Texas, and VIVA in Virginia. Highlights participating libraries, core programs, reason for formation, funding, involvement of larger academic libraries in the…

Examines how faculty at the Pennsylvania State University use electronic resources in planning for their own and their students' research, individual learning, and classroom activities. Also discusses related issues: electronic collections, copyrights, pricing and licensing, faculty computing skills, and the advantages of electronic resources in a…

Discusses the four stages in the development of reference services from print to electronic form: (1) the transformation of periodical indexes to full-text versions; (2) paperless encyclopedias; (3) electronic access to government data; and (4) popular titles appearing in electronic formats. A sidebar outlines innovations in reference services.…

Examines trends and issues in transforming libraries from repositories of print material into digital information centers, particularly in the context of distance education. Topics discussed include public pressure for increased use of technology, the scope of change, legal concerns and copyrights, an expanded role for libraries as information…

Reviews research findings that indicate students learn more and produce better research products following planned, integrated information skills instruction by the teacher and teacher-librarian together. Topics include the search process, search strategies, concept mapping, integrated resource-based instruction, and the need for formal planning.…

Discussion of a study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to elicit information about the library's online catalog. Highlights the use of focus group interviews. Topics include experience with other catalogs, approaches to searching, positive feedback, barriers to use, and changes to the catalog as a result of the study. (LRW)

Discusses the results and implications of using an online instruction medium, via the Internet, for library instruction to users based on experiences at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Highlights include results of pre- and posttests; design issues in online instruction; and course content and organization. (LRW)

Describes the legal and political forces that affected libraries accessible to black South Africans in the apartheid era. Discrepancies between white and black service areas are detailed in terms of usage and bookstock, and analysis is supported by statistics and by reports from librarians. Attention is also given to the impact of relevant…

Investigated public librarians' interactions with patrons seeking geographic information with a sense-making (timeline) survey. Digital geographic data collection and information systems were utilized less in public libraries, and users had more complex needs than perceived. Explores implications for altering reference interviews and makes…

Describes the development of library-centered Internet training workshops at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, offering advice to those wishing to implement their own programs. Many considerations related to choosing teaching methods, assembling equipment and materials, and scheduling and promoting sessions are the same as with traditional…

Discusses library historians, publishing, and tenure requirements for library educators. Topics include problems in conducting research; the need for library history; the publishing industry; disciplinary insularity versus interdisciplinary study; and 10 guidelines for untenured research novices. (LRW)

Discusses the school library media specialist's responsibility to address students' cultural differences, including those related to religious practice and spiritual beliefs. Topics include the separation of church and state; resources that address spirituality and religion; and additional resources from ERIC. (LRW)

Discusses the importance of fostering learning communities in today's school reform movement and the potential role of the school library media specialist as a leader in building collaborative networks with classroom teachers. Highlights include a comparison of traditional and collaborative models; linking collaboration and leadership; and…

Explores differences in the academic library use of Asian American, African American, Latino, Native American and White undergraduates. Results indicate that students of color reported more academic library use while all undergraduates who engaged in writing activities and read more non-assigned books reported greater library use. (Author/LRW)

Considers the roles of teachers and school librarians in comparison to J. K. Rowling's muggles and wizards in the Harry Potter books. Presents a technology assessment tool that asks teachers what skills they would like the library to provide to support curriculum, including reference, technology, literacy, and collaborative learning, and provides…