Discusses operational, organizational, and technological developments that are transforming the workplace; describes the concept of knowledge worker and the information utility model; considers how these factors provide opportunities for library administrators and other information resource management professionals to improve user services; and…

Describes activities developed by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University and the Illinois State Library to prepare librarians for a new role in local economic development. Discusses results of a survey on library support for community development in terms of services and business materials collections. (AEF)

Describes characteristics of core competencies. Examines the competencies a librarian should possess. Discusses types of competence and reviews advantages of developing and improving core competencies. Looks at core competencies in terms of the major service areas of public libraries. Presents several steps for building core competencies.…

Reflects on the outcomes of a project undertaken in 1997-98 and examines issues relating to the development of the managerial expertise that underpins the library and information services in Latin America and the Caribbean. Reviews the literature, summarizes results of surveys of schools of Librarianship and Information Sciences and a small…

In 1998, the Houston Public Library launched a new library card campaign. Through extensive outreach, community partnerships, and the support of a major corporation, the program nearly doubled the number of children with cards in one fiscal year and increased juvenile circulation by more than 20%. The program led to an increase in library funding,…

Considers issues related to information equality from a theory-driven empirical perspective. Highlights include a case study of UCITA (Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act); issues for libraries, including licensing; issues for software developers; social constraints in a dynamic social environment with changing situational contexts; and…

Presents a summary review of 25 years of the literature on user instruction and information literacy. Notes how developments and technology during the last 10 years have affected user instruction and have led to the emergence of information literacy. Demonstrates how the field of user instruction has expanded. Includes bibliographies. (Author/AEF)

Describes results of an exploratory survey that examined public library electronic mail reference services and the patrons who used them. Discusses results of print questionnaires and Web-based questionnaires that investigated user satisfaction and classified email reference questions received by public libraries. Library questionnaire and web…

Describes the CONTENTdm software used by Washington State University Libraries to enhance its online collection building efforts. Topics include online image collections; software architecture; providing access to collections; integrating CONTENTdm with other imaging products; improving reference; and access for remote users. (LRW)

Discusses the concepts of marketing and relationship management as they apply to libraries. Topics include perceptions of the profession; environments that libraries operate in; connecting content and users through access and services; and the need for reliable and consistent collection of effective data. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the adaptation of existing buildings for public libraries in Kenya by the Kenya National Library Service. Topics include the role of the community; determining the suitability of adapted buildings from a library management perspective; and recommendations, including updating standards, increasing the number of professional librarians,…

Early Childhood Resources, a unit of Oregon's Multnomah County Library, provides outreach programs to children birth to five and their parents. Discusses: early experiences; early childhood planning efforts; in-library services; outreach services; building positive relationships; challenges and opportunities; serving child-care providers; serving…

Discussion of trends in Australian higher education focuses on academic libraries. Highlights include online courses; integrating library services into curriculum development; workload priority for librarians; information literacy; and a case study of the University of Queensland, including their Web site, flexible delivery, special services for…

Presents suggestions for smooth and satisfying transactions between reference librarians and patrons, as well as for better collegial relationships. Highlights include: being prepared to help patrons; staying visible; serving "who's next"; working together and allowing for personal styles; making referrals; and using diplomacy while correcting…

Anne Carroll Moore, who introduced children's services at the New York Public Library, a Newbery-winning author discusses libraries, collection development, book costs, the publishing industry, fear of change, oral and print tradition, writing for children, the impact and shortcomings of technology, books going out of print, and the need for…