Proposes a model of browsing-based conceptual information retrieval employing two different types of dictionaries, a global dictionary and a local dictionary. The documents are ranked by the conceptual closeness to a query, and are arranged in the form of a user's personal digital library. (Author/MES)

Discussion of digital reference services and the use of real-time versus asynchronous services such as email focuses on data from the AskERIC digital reference service to demonstrate that asynchronous services are not only useful but may have greater utility than real-time systems. (Author/LRW)

Considers the logico-analytic philosophy of library and information science (LIS); discusses Jurgen Habermas' theory of communicative action; examines how LIS, particularly research into librarian-patron interaction and information system design, favors an empiricist view of language and thus may be limiting its effectiveness; and suggests the…

Describes an international forum that was designed to affirm the knowledge and values of indigenous peoples in the information age, including Maoris from New Zealand and members of the American Indian Library Association. Discusses how efforts in New Zealand are models for how to advance library services to indigenous populations. (Author/LRW)

These four articles discuss the role of metadata registries for the Semantic Web; the development of a community digital library called the Digital Library for Earth System Education using meta-design; digital preservation and levels of service for digital repositories; and digitizing cultural materials and indigenous cultural and intellectual…

Describes the designs of the Ferris State University Library for Information, Technology and Education (FLITE), and the Meyer Library and Information Technology Center at Southwest Missouri State University. Includes photographs. (EV)

Explains the process of creating, implementing, and getting results from a usability study of a library Web site while spending little or no money, based on experiences at the Kansas City Public Library. Topics include how to design the test; finding volunteers to participate; and how to use the results. (LRW)

Explains the USA PATRIOT (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) Act, passed after the September 11 terrorist attacks, and its implications for libraries and patron records. Considers past dealings with the FBI; court orders; search warrants; wiretaps; and subpoenas. Includes:…

Children's Television Workshop recently commissioned a nationwide survey in which 736 teachers in grades 3 through 6 were asked how they access and present educational programing in their classrooms. Teachers use educational television, and they prefer 15- to 30-minute shows that focus on a single topic. (MLF)

Provides an introduction to and analysis of hermeneutics as an alternative research method for library and information science, discussing its philosophical advantages over quantitative research. The triadic process of interpretation is described as particularly suitable for advancing the theoretical foundations of library and information science.…

Reviews five CD-ROM catalogs: (1) Auto-Graphics Impact; (2) Brodart LePac; (3) GRC LaserGuide; (4) Library Corporation Intelligent Catalog; and (5) MARCIVE Pac. General guidelines for selecting a CD-ROM catalog are discussed, and vendor addresses and telephone numbers are listed. (MES)

Describes a system that provides online access to holdings information for more than 4,500 journals on a single self-executing diskette. A brief discussion of data compression is offered, along with program listings in both BASIC and C. (MES)

Five articles provide overviews of information networking activities at the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of Kentucky, the University of Maryland at Baltimore Health Sciences Library, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University. (MES)

Discusses reasons why empowerment is a salient issue for the information profession and explores the sources of power. Strategies are suggested for increasing position power, knowledge power, and personal power, thereby enhancing the overall power profile of the individual and the profession. Barriers to and benefits of empowerment are also…

Describes the Public Access Computer Systems Forum (PACS), a computer conference that deals with all computer systems that libraries make available to patrons. Areas discussed include how to subscribe to PACS, message distribution and retrieval capabilities, subscriber lists, documentation, generic list server capabilities, and other…