The Library of Congress asked the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board (CSTB) of the National Academies to conduct a study to provide strategic advice concerning the information technology path that the Library of Congress should traverse over the coming decade. The Committee on an Information Technology Strategy for the Library of…

The Contributed Papers in this volume revolve around seven themes designed to appeal to any librarian exploring new frontiers: Advocacy, Collections, Leadership and Management, Information Literacy, Distance/Distributed Education, Collaboration and Partnerships, and Services for Users. The conference committee received 168 proposals. All were…

This paper describes the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Library's strategic plan to develop its services amid an atmosphere of change. A summary of the following components of the strategic plan is given: vision; mission; values; and goals. The revised organizational functions are then illustrated, as well as the role of the selector-liaison…

Current trends in public library reference service include use of online systems; budget constraints in public sector; increased service; use, training, and supervision of paraprofessionals; centralized organization of reference service; participation in management of reference services; and more realistic attempts at measurement and evaluation of…

Describes a method for assessing the performance of public libraries using a standardized scoring system and provides an analysis of public library data from New Jersey as an example. Library standards and the derivation of measurement ratios are also discussed. A 33-item bibliography and three data tables are included. (JL)

Considers four principal topics from the perspective of faculty/librarian relations: (1) the library's enhanced capacity to identify and acquire information; (2) the librarian's role in the teaching/learning process; (3) library staffing as it affects services and collections; and (4) a well-planned library building that includes librarian/faculty…

Includes three articles that debate whether interlibrary loan (ILL) is the best way to get public library patrons what they need. Highlights include return on investment; funding; alternatives to ILL, including purchase on demand and online full-text databases; cost effectiveness; and the advantages of patron-initiated ILL through interconnected…

Discusses the ARL (Association of Research Libraries) E-Metrics project that is investigating problems related to collecting and using data for electronic materials and services. Describes a survey of libraries that focused on data collection activities and showed a lack of preparation as well as a lack of consistent statistics from database…

Describes a survey of public libraries that addressed the presence of latchkey children in libraries, library policies regarding this population, and services that are or should be offered. In-depth interviews with 10 librarians explored ideal responses to latchkey children, advice on library services, and community services for children. (14…

Describes the development, operation, and services of a special unit at the Chicago Public Library that provides reference and research services to professional librarians. Specific reference materials, online databases, and current awareness services are covered. The selection and acquisition of library materials is discussed in some detail. (21…

Discussion of the relationship between public library directors and the board of trustees highlights the library trustee and director survey that was conducted in Pennsylvania in 1994 to identify potential areas of conflict. Topics include the effect of library size, library planning, policy development, purchasing decisions, personnel issues, and…

Presents results of a questionnaire survey of 27 Association of Architectural Librarians members working for architectural and design firms. Library services, library collections, user access, space and equipment, library staff, and future possibilities are discussed, and a copy of the survey is appended. (LRW)

Discusses serials cancellations; reviews library collection assessment policies and reasons for assessment studies; describes a survey of academic health sciences libraries that examined serials cancellation projects, including the decision-making process, regional or national cooperation, and the methodology used; and explains a generic serials…

Describes a library cataloging project at the Ukranian Museum of Canada in Saskatoon. Topics discussed include the initial collection assessment, preliminary planning, funding, staffing, objectives during the first and second years, copy cataloging using the UTLAS system, original cataloging, distribution of the museum's catalog, and future needs.…

Describes the development of a consumer health information service, InfoHealth, which is operated by the Kingston Public Library (Ontario). Cooperative planning between public, academic, and hospital libraries and community health organizations is described; acquisition of materials is explained; and staffing and promotion of the service are…