Discusses two philosophical views of school library media specialists, one that emphasizes print materials and one that emphasizes technology. Topics include the deterioration of print collections, the increasing amount of information available, effects on students in technology-poor schools, the consulting role according to "Information…

A study used the 1993 Depository Libraries Shipping Lists for microfiche U.S. documents to determine the availability and timeliness of microfiche bibliographic records from OCLC. Results reveal that records were available for 44% of the sample (n=931) within 1 month of the shipping list date; after 1 year there was cataloging copy for 97% of the…

Describes the World Wide Web "work page" of the Saginaw Valley State University Library (Michigan). Discusses the work page's goals: provide reference librarians with quick Internet access, reflect particular Internet uses, and contain the most-often-used search tools and resources all on one screen. Examines advantages of the work…

Describes two electronic conferences (e-conferences) available on the Internet: e-mail-based discussion groups and Usenet news groups. Presents tips to help users of e-conferences increase the benefits of knowledge-sharing via these conferences. Sidebars present the largest library-related e-conferences, e-conferences gatewayed to Usenet, and an…

Describes five programs that have been significant to the evolution of biomedical communications in health sciences libraries over the last twenty years: the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM); Integrated Advanced Information Management Systems (IAIMS); National Research and Education Network (NREN); Unified Medical Language System…

Presents selection criteria for libraries choosing document delivery suppliers as an alternative to traditional interlibrary loan. Categories of commercial services are described, and selection criteria including ease of use, ordering options, charging and billing, copyright issues, enduser access, turnaround time, telecommunications options,…

Two teachers and seven media specialists from five school districts in Muskingum County (Ohio) had three weeks to write a proposal for a library automation grant. Before writing, they met to assess needs, determine how to find information on hardware and software, and establish long-term goals. As a result, they received the grant. (Author/AEF)

Describes a project at the University of Kent to build a thesaurus based on existing subject terms for a collection of cartoon drawings and then to convert the existing cataloging system to new thesaurus terms for an online catalog. A graphical thesaurus editor is described, and future work is discussed. (Author/LRW)

Librarians responsible for interviewing prospective employees need to be aware of guidelines in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which prohibit certain recruiting practices. This article gives examples of questions employers should and should not ask, reviews pre- and postemployee interview steps, and offers tips and background…

A subordinate evaluation instrument was used to identify factors that employees of Dayton-Montgomery County (OH) Public Library value in their supervisors. Results suggest that subordinates place considerable value on supervisors as role models and expect supervisors to treat them with respect and to encourage their opinions. Implications of these…

Discusses qualities of traditional librarians, examines past and future library roles, and addresses the need to change librarian leadership requirements in response to technological advancements in libraries. Presents leadership qualities necessary for future information service leaders and supports these qualities with findings from literature…

Examines the role of information professionals in selecting vendor services within the context of the theme "the future of information services." Reviews options information professionals have in terms of selecting vendor services; evaluates professional services, end-user services, and vendor support; and provides an historical…

Proposes four design principles of an information access system that link information sources regardless of implementation medium, information structure, or interface style. Provides examples from an undergraduate course in information science at the University of California at Los Angeles. (Author/AEF)

Reviews research in school librarianship and the implementation of change, highlighting the characteristics of effective programs that affect student achievement and have the support of school administrators. Research on curriculum implementation and staff development provides guidelines for the institutionalization of school library programs. (92…

Describes a cooperative project developed between the Arlington (Virginia) Public Library and local middle schools to form a Teen Advisory Board (TAB), a group of students who read and review new young adult books. Highlights include expansion of the program; student involvement in other activities; and four lists of favorite titles. (LRW)