During the 2000-2001 academic year, the General Libraries of the University at Buffalo conducted a pilot project to assess feasibility of providing reference through instant messaging. Describes the project, its implementation, the software used, staffing issues, and publicity efforts. Discusses results of the project in terms of user…

Explores the number of dimensions needed to measure users' perceptions of library service quality based on data from the ARL (Association of Research Libraries) LibQUAL+ project. Results were consistent with a view that a single set of scores is one reasonable way to characterize user perceptions of library service quality. (Author/LRW)

Describes a survey of midsized academic libraries that measured the departmental relationship between librarians who provide reference services and librarians who provide instructional services. Discusses satisfaction levels with various organizational arrangements as well as pros and cons of integrated or separate reference and instruction…

Describes how several libraries are encouraging children to participate in summer reading programs by bringing them to childcare and recreation centers. Discusses reaching out to teenagers; starting a program and gauging summer reading program participation in the community; and securing funding and partnerships. (AEF)

Provides an overview and examples of efforts by the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Library Development and Services (DLDS) to increase collaborative benefits among agencies and groups targeting the youngest users. The "It's Never Too Early" public awareness campaign is designed to connect parents/caregivers of…

Used selectively and imaginatively, corporate sponsorship can be a powerful tool to help libraries achieve their mission of getting more children reading and visiting the library. Focuses on development of the summer reading program by the Oregon Library Association. Discusses planning and fundraising; publicity; distributing funds; obstacles; and…

Discusses reference-use statistics in academic libraries. Highlights include new functions and resources, limits of traditional counting methods, ranking the sources, the Internet's impact on instruction, computer-assisted versus one-on-one instruction, and creative solutions to reference services. (AEF)

Reflects on the potency of libraries as community assets during the past 2000 years. Traces the preservation of knowledge in ancient libraries. Addresses ecclesiastical library development and the relatively recent rise of public and academic libraries; identifies their connections with their communities, and the relevance for today. Describes…

Discusses the benefits of creating a collegial environment for library reference staff, highlighting application of the "Golden Rule," supervisor's role, policies and procedures, barriers to success (lack of communication, competitiveness, conflict, dictatorial supervisors, envy, burnout, lack of reward), collegial education and…

Explores some of the reasons for spotlighting Spanish language and Hispanic Internet sites on libraries' public access computers and recommends some sites for use by librarians working with Latino youth. (Author)

Presents tips from a project that made modest but significant improvements to the young adult areas and services of 11 rural libraries in the Pioneer Library System in upstate New York. Discusses floor plans, layout and location; furniture and fixtures; collections and displays; technology; and staff. Illustrates changes with before-and-after…

Presents The Keystone Principles developed by academic library directors through ARL (Association of Research Libraries) and OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) that focus on three areas: (1) access to information as a public good; (2) the responsibility of libraries to create innovative information systems to disseminate information; and (3)…

Discusses how traditional work of academic reference librarians has been impacted by access to electronic publications on the World Wide Web. Describes how librarians are using the Web to create publications for in-house library users and remote users through HTML documents that provide access to Web and other electronic resources. (Author/LRW)

Examines the theoretical model of information-seeking behavior called the "imposed query." Qualitative findings identify teachers, the school library media specialist, parents, and children as imposers. Quantitative findings include persistence of a relationship between grade level and question type, gender difference in library use at…

Results of a national survey on public library outlet Internet connectivity reveal disparities in connectivity, public access provision, and speed of public access Internet services. Disparities have implications for future connectivity policy development like erate, state librarybased connectivity programs, and libraryinitiated connectivity…