Discussion of outsourcing library operations highlights two examples: (1) the Riverside County (California) library which had been outsourcing library operations to the City of Riverside, and switched to a private vendor; and (2) the Sun Microsystems Library which had operated as an outsourced library and recently decided to insource their library…

Discusses the financial pressures libraries face as the number and cost of serials escalate while funding is reduced. Presents a case study of a small library that eliminated physical subscriptions to journals and enhanced its service to include CD-ROM technology after ranking journals according to a cost benefit analysis. (Author/LRW)

A survey of 180 small businesses in the London, Ontario (Canada) area examined the role of the library in providing information. Found that small businesses mainly obtained information through informal sources: customers; suppliers; and friends, associates, and relatives. Concludes that public libraries should network and promote an image of the…

There are no foolproof solutions to Internet access in libraries. This article lists selected library solutions, what not to do, and what to do: pick a common-sense approach, focus on customer service, keep an open mind, avoid accepting or repeating hearsay, and find common ground. Includes highlights of the Orange County (FL) Library System's…

A study of 75 Indian parents of children with mental retardation found that many families were not aware of the availability of library-based information services. General information on mental retardation is the most needed category of information, and the age of the person with mental retardation and level of literacy affect the type of…

Examines the library's efforts to refashion its bookmobile services. User studies convinced the staff of the Memphis/Shelby County (TN) public library system that its bookmobile fleet should be expanded with smaller, multipurpose vehicles, service child care centers, visit housing authority properties, and provide literacy training. Includes a…

Discussion of access versus ownership for libraries facing rising serials cost. Focuses on a study at Pennsylvania State University that tested the feasibility of using commercial document delivery (CDD) as compensation for discontinued ownership, as a complement to ownership, and as a supplement to ownership. Positive results for CDD were found.…

Provides a list of traditional and nontraditional services and programs offered by Illinois public libraries to special populations, including educationally, culturally, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups; ethnic minority groups; illiterates; the elderly; visually impaired; hearing impaired; emotionally disabled; and residents of state,…

The International Federation of Library Associations' Section on Document Delivery and Interlending researched fax policies, highlighted problems of fax requests, and listed recommendations for improvement. Provides the guidelines on using fax for interlending requests which emerged from this research, and emphasizes the policies and procedures of…

Discusses two basic cultures within the library science field, one that emphasizes "soft-edged" traditional service and the other newer culture which has evolved around information technology and entrepreneurial drive. Topics include historical background; university pressures on library schools to be "tech-oriented";…

Discusses some approaches to meeting the needs of disabled students in academic libraries in keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Highlights include types of disabilities, including visual, mobility, and hearing impairments; obstacles found in libraries, including poor communication; and possible remedies. (LRW)

Draws on theory from linguistics (particularly speech act theory), philosophy, and cognitive science to show how the ambiguous nature of "why" questions may lead to unproductive or even hostile responses in the reference interview. Suggests two main strategies for resolving this conflict, contextualization and the use of neutral…

Surveys conducted in 142 urban public libraries examined customer satisfaction, comparisons with other libraries, and factors affecting satisfaction. Overall, customers were satisfied with their libraries but experienced different levels of satisfaction based on convenience, availability of materials and information, and services facilitating…

Informatization is a term of Japanese provenance denoting major systemic change from the application of information technology. Proposes a theory of post-war informatization focusing on information services in libraries, specifically computerized information retrieval. Describes four electronic epochs: offline, online, CD-ROM, and Internet, and…

Describes the Information Commons at Solano Community College in Suisun, California, which was envisioned as a 'one-stop' access to all electronic resources for students to use in support of learning. States that, as the commons is located in the library, students have direct access to printed resources that are not available online, as well as…