Describes goals, background, and steps of the RIDDLE project (Rapid Information Display and Dissemination in a Library Environment), a study of the use of scanning technology in libraries. Project results show that it is possible to extract bibliographic information from the contents page of journal articles and to include this information in…

The University of Washington (Seattle) developed an administrative process that integrates user needs assessment. The user-centered library is defined and assessment initiatives including policies, surveys, analysis of resource allocation, and professional development are discussed. (AEF)

A media specialist discusses methods for promoting a library media program. Highlights include a staff survey; monthly newsletters; community celebrity readings; fund raising; taped cable programs; flexibility; displays; communication with staff, parents, and students; supporting the principal and staff; and having a positive attitude. (AEF)

Describes part of a project designed to develop a user-based approach to measuring the extent to which services provided by librarians meet or exceed user expectations on a consistent basis. Results show that academics and librarians have similar expectations, but there are differences in the emphasis each group places on aspects of service.…

Changes in information technology threaten the traditional role of the college library on campus. Library administrators must position the library politically as well as technologically to play a central role in services, technology, and organization, and to enable the library to retain an integral place in the university's intellectual life. (MSE)

Describes the development of a taxonomy of the value of library services based on users' assessments from five large research libraries. Highlights include empirical and derived taxonomy, replicability of the study, reasons for using the library, how library services are related to time and money, and a theory of value. (LRW)

Academic libraries should focus on their users as customers and develop programs to meet expectations. Discusses gaps between expectations and management's perception of expectations and suggests strategies for enhancing satisfaction, communication, and management. (AEF)

Discussion of information on tests needed by social science researchers focuses on reference sources and a search strategy to assist reference librarians in locating pertinent material. Highlights include a review of related research, databases, print sources, test bibliographies and reviews, and sources of information on unpublished tests. (LRW)

Examines three publications as guides for evaluating library reference services and the potential of one for the development of children's services. Highlights include public library planning, limitations, output measures for children's materials and information services, and the library role. (AEF)

Ten years ago Wayne State University (WSU) libraries assimilated the university's media services unit. An analysis of its present facilities, services, collections, goals, and cost-recovery elements demonstrates the full-service WSU media center is a cost-effective, integral part of WSU library service. (Author/AEF)

Describes presentations made at a forum on automation, interlibrary loan (ILL), and document delivery sponsored by the Houston Area Library Consortium. Highlights include access versus ownership; software for ILL; fee-based services; automated management systems for ILL; and electronic mail and online systems for end-user-generated ILL requests.…

Describes new products that relate to document delivery, including a wireless electronic mail connection; multivendor office integration software to exchange electronic mail; analog film recorders; an electronic messaging system for personal computer local area networks; software for transferring data files; voice message delivery systems; and…

Describes the use of laptop computers by reference librarians at the East Carolina University Health Sciences Library. Topics discussed include computer selection; online searching; office space utilization; the professional image of librarians; security measures; expansion capabilities; and the development of a local area network. (LRW)

Discusses changes in the information science field based on personal reminiscences and suggests an agenda for the future. Topics addressed include information relevance; the reference process, including question negotiation; curriculum changes in information science; the value of information; and how people use information. (LRW)

This theme issue includes 13 articles that discuss rural library concerns in Illinois. Topics addressed include strengthening library services; rural trends and their impact on libraries; partnerships; Cooperative Extension Service revitalization; financing; economic development; resource sharing in school libraries; and public libraries and user…