Geographic information system (GIS) technology is a rapidly growing and powerful method for managing and analyzing spatial data and information for libraries. This article introduces GIS basic concepts, reviews GIS usage in libraries, and presents some challenges, strengths, and opportunities for libraries and GIS. Six figures illustrate the…

Provides a brief review of the basic elements of library security and preservation programs as a background for an exploration of security/preservation issues, problems, and policies. Discusses environmental control, disaster preparedness, fire protection, storage and handling, and controlling access to collections. (AEF)

This naturalistic study examined the role of nonverbal communication in the academic library. The decision to approach or not approach a reference librarian was studied through the use of Mehrabian's immediacy metaphor, and it was hypothesized that the nonverbal behavior of the librarian is related to the user's decision. Contains 53 references.…

Academic clientele expect their library to select the best information and organize it effectively for their personal consumption. Some answers to a hierarchical approach are customization through a MyLibrary feature, a role-based vertical view, and a powerful search engine all built on a rich resource database. Each is discussed. (AEF)

Discusses search strategy, strategies for understanding information, and instructional strategies as they relate to information literacy. Topics include orientation to sources and services; awareness of key literature; critical thinking and problem solving; inquiry; reading comprehension to enhance understanding; and strategies used by proficient…

Proposes a framework for academic libraries to use for the reevaluation of reference and bibliographic instruction services that focuses on student attitudes and the World Wide Web. Discusses the postmodern condition that is characterized by consumerism, superficiality, and knowledge fragmentation, and considers how academic librarians can…

The emerging field of knowledge management offers academic libraries the opportunity to improve effectiveness, both for themselves and their parent institutions. This article summarizes knowledge management theory. Current applications in academic libraries and higher education are described. Similarities and difficulties between knowledge…

Reports on interviews with six librarians and one faculty member about their views on what the future holds for the undergraduate library and what it needs to do in order to remain a vital and relevant part of the campus community. Topics include digitization, expanded hours of service, and bibliographic instruction. (LRW)

Examines theoretical and practical elements that lead to successful implementation of change. Discusses research on planned educational change and change agent theory; describes a school library media specialist's effort to implement a learning-centered library program; and includes a list of practical ideas for implementing "Information…

Discusses database usage data from a sample of 98 public libraries and library systems in the United States and Canada that revealed patterns of use. Results of the questionnaire used, which is appended, showed the number of workstations was statistically correlated with amount of use. (Author/LRW)

Discusses results from recent relevance research with implications for information professionals. The studies show that beyond the usual concern with high relevance and non-relevance judgments, partially relevant judgments by users are important. Calls for the adoption of a more complex view of human relevance judgments in the education and…

This article, citing the example of large bookselling chains who offer cafes in their stores, advocates the provision of food and drink in school libraries as well. High-quality food, made available by vending machine, would increase levels of wellness, energy, and teachability. Protests involving mess, lack of money, and difficulties with parents…

Examines libraries as postmodern institutions, identifies barriers to research imposed by library collections and services, considers how CD-ROMs magnify these barriers, and offers an instructional method using active teaching and learning methods known as critical pedagogy for bibliographic instruction in academic libraries. (Author/LRW)

Elementary library media specialists in Iowa recorded their use of time for two days. Descriptive measures indicated nearly equal amounts of time for direct services and for management and operations activities. Automation, scheduling, support staff, and number of buildings served by the media specialist were found to have a significant influence…

Discusses commuter college students; presents a model to help librarians offering bibliographic instruction better accommodate commuter students that includes services for students, programs to interact with students, advocacy for students, and appropriate research; and considers faculty impact on commuter students. (LRW)