Surveys public libraries in Canada and a 1997 IFLA conference regarding use of Internet for multicultural library services. Librarians identified if, and how the Internet is currently used. Key strategies in training, communications, global library partnerships, and funding need to be considered for a global implementation. (MMU)

After years of cutbacks, the pivotal role of public libraries in providing lifelong learning resources is being recognized. In Britain, a consortium for public-library networking is extending libraries' ability to deliver knowledge-based services. (SK)

Examines the reference transaction in library and information science from the perspective of systems analysis, identifies 15 functional requirements of the process, proposes criteria to measure success, illustrates the process using four diagrams of the reference transaction, and suggests future research. (Author/LRW)

The 40 tables of this report summarize information about libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia in fiscal year 1996. Includes information about public library service measures, administration and staffing, and other characteristics. (SLD)

Explains four historical discontinuities: time and space; mind and body; real and virtual; and humans and technology. Considers how an awareness of them can assist librarians in creating virtual space for libraries, adapting to changing roles, and developing new value-added services. (Contains 126 references.) (Author/LRW)

Provides an overview of universal Web design and discusses guidelines developed by the Web access initiative (WAI) that focus on the access needs of Web users with disabilities. Highlights include barriers for people with print disabilities or motor impairments; the role of libraries; and resources to assist Web designers. (LRW)

Discusses future possibilities that libraries must consider in a digital information age. Topics include how the Internet has transformed the way people look for information; the need for better Web search engines; electronic publishing; and an information infrastructure that supports the delivery of digital objects and 24-hour reference service.…

Offers suggestions for training librarians to work with teens. Discusses knowing the audience and including them as part of the presentation; addressing controversial topics such as gay and lesbian teens; using handouts, including an evaluation of the presentation; and some basic topics to cover. Includes recommended resources for young adult…

In May 1997, the Federal Communications Commission provided funding and policies for implementing the Snow-Rockefeller-Exon-Kerrey Amendment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The amendment states that schools and libraries should have access to telecommunication services for educational purposes at discounted rates. This article explains the…

The second of two parts, this article develops a taxonomy of value-in-use for library and information services based on user assessments and proposes methods and instruments for similar studies of library and information services in general. Divides value of services into three classes: reasons for use; quality of interaction; and worth, benefits…

The "LibQUAL+" diagnostic tool, product of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), shows that although a single factor dominates user thinking about library service quality, all items in the survey suffuse this factor. Several first-order factors contribute unique information to the notion of service quality. As different users…

Discusses differences between e-mail reference interviews and those conducted using other media; presents a taxonomy of approaches to e-mail interviews; and introduces a model e-mail interview, based on a project at the University of Maryland's College of Library and Information Services. (Author/LRW)

Views assessment of "Costs of Electronic Reference Resources" both in a general descriptive framework and within the context of a specific model for costing of library operations and services called LCM, the Library Costing Model. Examples of costing data uses are provided, and categories of costs are related to types of electronic…

Reprints the introduction to a past theme issue that discussed library instruction and reference services in academic and public libraries. Topics include library instruction as part of public services; and two main viewpoints of library instruction, one of which believes in its value and one which believes it is unnecessary. (LRW)

Discusses strategic planning in libraries and outlines a cost-finding methodology to help library administrators practice strategic budgeting. Highlights include identifying products and services; types of budgets; types of costs; creating an enhanced operating budget; creating a program budget; and outputs and unit costs. (Contains six…