Examines two databases--MEDLINE and ABI/INFORM--as currently implemented on laserdisk, commercial systems, and local time-sharing in the University of Pennsylvania libraries. The direct costs to the library of installing and operating the three formats are analyzed, and costs and benefits to users are discussed, including comparisons of the…

Describes an objective test used as the comprehensive examination in a graduate library school and discusses its advantages over essay tests. The topics covered include test construction, the use of item analysis for scoring and test revision, and student reactions to the objective test. (1 reference) (CLB)

Discusses the information-seeking and information-using behavior of artists, particularly in the applied arts, and art historians. Topics include visual information; technological and intellectual aspects of access to visual information; physical characteristics of art works; cataloging and indexing tools; access to images; and the role of…

Discusses the evolution of multicultural literature for young adults; the role of publishers and others in making more multicultural materials available; and issues involved in authoring books with such themes. A bibliography of 8 selection tools and an annotated bibliography of 88 works for young adults are appended. (KRN)

Reports the results of research that used descriptor subfiles in the online version of "MLA Bibliography" to quantify literary warrant in the domain of scholarly work about fiction. Topics discussed include domain analysis; the interaction between literary works, scholars, and library classification systems; and further research…

Describes the development of a cooperative initiative between the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University of Papua New Guinea and the Information Management department at Deakin University. Highlights include curriculum change; new bachelor degree programs; and program delivery, including conventional instruction and…

Describes the planning and implementation of a resource-based inquiry unit about the position of women in society to coincide with Women's History Month. Details the scheduling, content, and structure of the unit, as well as student, participant, and teacher reactions to the project. (JKP)

Focuses on the disadvantages of working teachers engaged in research. Seven sources of informal and three sources of formal information are listed. Teacher/researchers are unfamiliar with how research information is disseminated. Through networking and learning the library, they can access the same kind of data available to professional…

Major trends and features of scholarly and scientific communications in the recent past and present are examined from the viewpoints of publishers, readers, and libraries. Nine attributes of scholarly and scientific communications in the future, including the roles of information scientists, are predicted. (MSE)

This study examines the cost and performance of six commercial document suppliers accessible via Online computer Library Center (OCLC), compares their service to traditional interlibrary loan (ILL). Results indicate that, although commercial firms cannot replace ILL, they can add flexibility to a library's plan for document delivery. (Author/AEF)

Describes the Internet component of an undergraduate course at St. Xavier University (Illinois) in which a librarian helps mass communications students survey state-of-the-art technologies and predict future possibilities. Active learning techniques are discussed and examples of class exercises and the final assignment are included. (Author/LRW)

Provides suggestions for incorporating multicultural diversity issues into the graduate library science curriculum. Topics discussed include questions of context; demographic shifts; creating curricular activities, including guest lecturers and encouraging behavioral as well as cognitive changes; and student responses, including student…

Describes a teaching partnership between a librarian and a faculty member at Arizona State University West that uses contemporary learning and composition theory to integrate research and writing in an American Studies course. Topics include teaching critical thinking skills, the influence of social constructionists, and research goals. (LRW)

Considers ways to support library media specialists and information professionals in their emerging role as change agents in schools or learning communities of the future, based on fictional future scenarios. Topics include planning for change, lifelong learning, cooperation, the use of technology, and skill development. (LRW)

This special issue contains 12 articles written by science fiction authors and futurists who present imaginative visions of communication technologies that impact on daily life. Topics address redefinition of the library, legal aspects of regulation and censorship of the Internet, and various ideological and intellectual ideas about technology…