Describes the assumptions and goals of the Performance Effectiveness Management System (PEMS) of the University of Arizona Library and explains how to integrate performance measurement with a new system that focuses on teams and organizational outcomes. Phases of PEMS include: mission-critical services, programs, and activities; setting quality…

Discusses online searching and the characteristics that make librarians good searchers. Topics include curiosity; creativity; enjoying the research process; research methodology to help in decision making; information sources other than the Web, including print sources and commercial databases; Boolean logic; and job opportunities for searchers.…

Describes metasearch tools and explains their value in helping library media centers improve students' Web searches. Discusses Boolean queries and the emphasis on speed at the expense of comprehensiveness; and compares four metasearch tools, including the number of search engines consulted, user control, and databases included. (LRW)

Describes the Alexandria Digital Library, a geolibrary that focuses on geographical locations. Topics include the evolution of the system and interface design; design goals; user communities, including earth scientists, information specialists, and educators; user evaluation methodologies and findings; and future possibilities. (LRW)

Three attempts at consensus lists of evaluation criteria for the Web are compared with reviews in "Choice" magazine. There is little agreement on the most important/appropriate criteria for a Web site's value, and few of the criteria appear in the sample reviews, suggesting a continued lack of consensus. The extreme rapidity of change in the Web…

Researching mathematicians is a way for students to gain an understanding of mathematical concepts applied in class. This article outlines an eight-day collaborative project in which librarians and math teachers guide eighth graders in researching and creating multimedia presentations on mathematicians. Lists selected Web resources, including one…

Presents six curriculum guides for health/nutrition, mathematics, reading, language arts, and social studies. Each activity identifies library media skills objectives, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, librarians and teacher instructional roles, activity and procedures for completion, activity samples, guidelines for evaluating…

Argues that the notion of leadership is difficult and potentially dangerous, particularly when related to academic matters. If applied to initiative, concern for exactitude, provision of a role model and authority, then leadership is a description of academic work generally. While the concept of academic leadership is inimical to knowledge…

Illustrates the importance of teaching students about rights and responsibilities involved in online communications. Describes how ethics lessons were taught as part of a high school computer curriculum. Discusses behavioral and resource usage policy development. (AEF)

Discusses and reviews World Wide Web sites of use and interest to English teachers. Discusses particular sites to browse, such as ERIC, KIDLINK, and some teacher discussion forums. Notes particular sites on the Internet for use in English Humanities classes; books online; famous author home pages; library links; writing sites online; literature;…

Argues that a book should not be cherished simply for being a book, if its information is obsolete. Discusses the need to stop treasuring media beyond its utility; offer positive electronic alternatives to print media (rather than fighting technology); and assure that students have access to all the tools of learning. (AEF)

An OPAC transaction log analysis at the University of Illinois at Chicago revealed that users had trouble with basic search techniques. After the introductory screens were simplified, a second analysis showed improved search results, indicating that monitoring OPACs can lead to improved information retrieval when changes are made in response to…

The Institute of Physics Publishing (IPP), a subsidiary body of the Institute of Physics (IOP), has used electronic publishing on the Internet as a major means of improving the speed of dissemination of physics information. The development of the Comprehensive Electronic Journals service is described along with recent enhancements and other…

Describes characteristics of working-class people who are attending community colleges. Discusses InfoPLACE, a comprehensive career-planning resource center serving a socioeconomic cross-section of clients from a public library setting. Offers that using InfoPLACE before reaching the college campus can be beneficial. Presents examples of…

Describes activities of the Commonwealth Regional Health Community Secretariat/Namibia Dissemination Center, at the University of Namibia, which was identified as a partner institution to serve in the Secretariat's information dissemination network in reproductive and health and nutrition programs. The University of Namibia Library has modern…