Reviews the research that suggests that qualitative approaches to the evaluation of library user education programs may sometimes be more appropriate than quantitative measures. The differences between quantitative and qualitative evaluation are discussed, and the instances in which one approach may be preferred to the other are identified. (17…

Describes a citation analysis of journal articles dealing with online catalogs to determine patterns in subject content, date, publication format, authorship affiliation, type of authorship, and how the cited publication was used in the article. It is concluded that this literature has many characteristics of a scholarly literature and indicates…

Describes an interface mechanism called "complex view support" to be used with a relational database system (RDBS) in supporting increasingly complex distributed environments in automated library systems. The interface system refers queries to multidimensional tables as well as to flat tables on RDBS and is shown to efficiently support…

Identifies the elements of science fiction that might appeal to adolescent readers and offers suggestions for developing innovative book talks on science fiction books. A bibliography of 133 books, categorized by subgenres such as hard science, space travel, and mysteries, is provided. (eight references) (CLB)

Defines functionally inaccessible materials as those that have gone through the library's traditional bibliographic processes, but cannot be retrieved when searched by library patrons. Typical examples are given and possible causes are discussed, including traditional cataloging practices and cost considerations. Methods for recognizing functional…

Discusses various aspects of the application of optical data disk (CD-ROM) technology in libraries. Topics discussed include the need to acquire information directly from optical data disk experts; characteristics of reference works that make them amenable to conversion; barriers to the application of this technology; innovations currently being…

Describes a survey of faculty at Albion College on their perceptions of the status, role, and contribution of librarians. The methodology used is explained, the results are compared with prior surveys at the university level, and suggestions for further study are offered. The questionnaire used in the study is appended. (24 references) (Author/CLB)

Two participants in an international exchange program describe their experiences. Hal Tarr, a technical services librarian at Peirce Junior College in Pennsylvania, exchanged positions with Ivana Kotasek, head librarian at Port Adelaide College in Australia. Both discuss the logistics of the exchange process and their impressions. (DMM)

Although elementary reading series books appear to be largely nonsexist, school library books reflect certain prescribed roles for girls and boys in sports activities. Findings are presented from a study which examined 1,380 books to investigate the social information, regarding sports and work, that is communicated to young readers. (IAH)

Discusses the problems encountered by first time library supervisors who have to learn not only their new professional jobs but also how to supervise others. A supervisory approach based on work checking is described, and the role that managers should play in assisting their supervisors to acquire necessary skills is outlined. (14 references) (CLB)

Describes the criteria used by optical disk (CD-ROM) database publishers to select test sites; the responsibilities of and benefits to test site libraries; and plans for future use of test sites. The experiences of Texas A&M University are discussed and suggestions are offered to libraries wishing to become test sites. (CLB)

Describes two conceptual teaching models that facilitate end users' interrogations of online information retrieval systems. These models represent the systems' internal structures and functional outcomes based on the users' experiential frameworks. (16 references) (Author/CLB)

Describes a typical configuration for a local area network (LAN), and discusses positive and negative factors to be considered when deciding whether to implement a LAN in a library setting. Situations in which LANS are or are not appropriate are identified, and alternatives to LANs are described. (CLB)

Describes research that examined several variables, including the geographic placement of states, that might explain fluctuations in state governments' apparent willingness to fund public libraries. Tables summarizing state aid are appended, and accompanying maps provide pictorial testimony to the behavior of states on selected library and…

This study examined the inclusiveness of eight indexes and abstracts of presumable interest in communication arts, and found that none of them provided comprehensive access to articles chosen from a core list of communication arts journals. The implications of the findings for the teaching of search strategies and for editorial policies on…