Presents the three phases of the implementation and operation of the Integrated Information Center (IIC) at the University of Minnesota from 1990-93. Competition between the IIC and information centers at the two schools the IIC was intended to serve--the School of Management and the Institute of Public Affairs--is addressed. (JAK)

Describes digital publishing and its implications for "TEACHING Exceptional Children." The benefits of digital publishing for readers are discussed, including access to more information and the ability to view, via digital video, instructional interventions described in articles. Benefits for authors and the magazine are also highlighted. (CR)

Issues relating to library association staff roles and responsibilities are explored. Reasons for their sometimes conflicting relationships with member volunteers are examined. Suggestions and recommendations for promoting effective use of these valuable partners on the association scene are offered. (Author/AEF)

Digital Video Disc (DVD), now known as digital versatile disc, is a high-capacity storage medium. This article examines and evaluates DVD-Video, for storing digitized movies, and DVD-ROM for storing computer-readable text, graphics, audio, and video files. Describes and reviews selected DVD-Video and DVD-ROM titles and discusses potential hardware…

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 has provisions covering telephone service, telecommunications equipment manufacturing, cable television, radio and television broadcasting, and the Internet and on-line computer services. Most critical for rural areas are universal service provisions that ensure reasonably priced services to all regions and…

Analyzes the results of a survey of the continuing education (CE) needs and preferences of school library media specialists in Oklahoma. Highlights include connections between attitudes and participation in CE activities; incentives and constraints for participation; delivery format preferences; and implications for CE providers. (Author/LRW)

Reports on a case study of three rural Georgia elementary school media specialists that examined the tasks performed and their perception of the importance of these tasks compared to responsibilities and tasks in "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning", by the American Association of School Librarians. (LRW)

Describes how three buildings one completed (library), one under construction (music facility), one in predesign (science building) are infusing the University of Minnesota Duluth with a renewed identity and aesthetic. Photos and a floor plan are included. (GR)

Discusses the use of evaluative techniques to measure outcomes that show the value and worth of librarians and library services. Highlights include quality improvement; evaluating quality; measuring concepts as opposed to concrete variables; meeting users' information needs; measuring intangibles; and measures from total quality management. (LRW)

A study was conducted that used transaction logs to identify the characteristics of the most complex or problematic user queries. Enhancements are recommended in the design of online catalogs that use search trees to control system responses and to determine appropriate subject-searching terminology and technique. Contains 21 references and 12…

Describes how media/technology specialists organize and monitor instructional resources in schools. Topics include technology coordinators, decentralization of resources, media specialists in each school, and media retrieval systems to schedule the use of media and technology in classrooms. (LRW)

Argues that while a Master's of Library Science (MLS) degree can be helpful for performing interlibrary loan (ILL) work, the most important skills and specific knowledge are often acquired on the job. Discusses ILL training in MLS programs, ILL and document delivery in the workplace, and work style and personality in ILL. (AEF)

Discusses personnel management and personnel evaluation. Highlights include personnel manager traits; performance improvement; effective leadership; supervisory styles; examining staff skills, including human skills, technical skills, and conceptual skills; increasing productivity; and identifying problem areas in job performance and possible…

Discusses the use of the OCLC Authority File for answering reference questions. Contents of the authority file are described, including personal, corporate, conference, and geographic names, uniform titles, and subject headings; accessing the authority file is explained; searching strategies are discussed; and examples of authority records are…

Describes a study of the availability of books in low-income schools with literature-based curriculums. Focuses on two scenarios or snapshots of elementary schools in the study. Discusses seven recommendations for creating a supportive literacy environment. (TB)