Provides an overview of the development of university library and information science degree programs in English-speaking countries in Africa, highlighting early programs in Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria; 70s programs in Zambia, Nigeria, and Botswana; 80s programs in Nigeria and Kenya; and 90s programs in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Namibia.…

The state librarian of Michigan looks at how information technology has been used thus far and how it can be used more effectively in the future. Library automation is given as an example of how people can adapt. (JOW)

Analyzes two aspects of the intersection of the information superhighway and archives: cultural heritage and societywide electronic recordkeeping. Reviewed 15 World Wide Web archives sites along 5 broad dimensions. Argues that archivists should position themselves as substantive contributors to information infrastructure discussions. (PEN)

Reviews two strands of modern archival writing about reference: one stressing the importance of subject finding aids; the other relying on traditional forms of archival retrieval. Each has emphasized the advantages of new technology but neglected the importance of the reference interview. Raises issues for research and recommends improved…

Discusses factors that are combining to jeopardize access to government information throughout the country. Topics include the Federal Depository Library Program; what is not making it into the depository program, especially since the September 11 attacks; the Government Printing Office; and attempts to alter key federal government information…

Critiques and advances an understanding for a method of establishing ethos-- promoting one's field by distinguishing it from work associated with women. Provides some reasons why this might have been important to women librarians and argues how this process applies to particular exigencies in the contemporary fields of library science and of…

Highlights an example of cross-discipline collaboration in an academic library and describes a collaborative approach to managing electronic resources that is used at York University (Canada). Explains a model in which a science librarian and a humanities/social science librarian work together to manage electronic resources. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the trend for library resources to enable identification of cited and citing reference lists, i.e., lists of items cited by documents as well as items that in turn cite those documents. Describes citation management software, EndNote and RefWorks, and considers the role of publishers in facilitating the use of citation managers.…

Discussion of multimedia libraries and the need for storage, indexing, and retrieval techniques focuses on the combination of computer vision and data mining techniques to model high-level concepts for image retrieval based on perceptual features of the human visual system. Uses fuzzy set theory to measure users' assessments and to capture users'…

Describes a seven-year experience with developing the Tufts Health Sciences Database, a database-driven information management system that combines the strengths of a digital library, content delivery tools, and curriculum management. Identifies major effects on teaching and learning. Also addresses issues of faculty development, copyright and…

Discusses the history of problem patrons in libraries and explains various types of problem patrons and their identifying behavior. Highlights include senior citizens; technology-created problems, such as users with cell phones; eccentric behavior; non-compliance with library rules; harassment; intentional bad behavior such as theft; and problems…

Presents a rationale for the use of outcomes assessment and identifies three competing assessment perspectives that examine quality: looking at users from the perspective of the academic library; looking at libraries from the users' perspectives; and libraries in the life of the institution. Discusses information literacy, and differentiating…

Discussion of weighted index terms in information retrieval focuses on a method for adjusting index weights by processing text in digital libraries that has been highlighted by users. Considers weights in query processing; feedback sources; active reading while accessing digital documents; collaborative information retrieval; and improving index…

Offers suggestions for booktalk strategies so librarians can help children learn to enjoy chapter books, making the transition from beginning readers. Discusses lack of illustrations, making inferences from the dialog, building background knowledge from the back of the book, and understanding flashbacks. (LRW)

Discusses a teen book group's discussion of "Shattering Glass," a new young adult novel by Gail Giles. Describes planning; the book's plot; the book discussion; the librarians' conversation with the author which passed along students' comments; and reflections on the experience. (AEF)