Describes an unobtrusive study of the ability of professional librarians to deal with factual questions that was conducted at Illinois State University. Evaluation of the accuracy of responses is discussed, the responsiveness and helpfulness of librarians is examined, attitude scores are described, and implications for improving reference service…

Suggests that the main reason for the presumed surplus of librarians is that these professionals refuse to defend, let alone expand, their territorial boundaries from "experts" who decide results independently of library staffs and budgets. Argues that librarians should provide better service, rather than encouraging self-service and that certain…

Provides an annotated bibliography of books: girls perceptions of their bodies, excellence in library services to young adults, adolescence in America, evaluating and reviewing childrens books, and connecting young adults and libraries. (PEN)

A survey of statements of philosophy on reference and bibliographic instruction from libraries in small, Chicago area liberal arts colleges and universities revealed a wide variety of relationships between the two services. The study concluded that most of the libraries surveyed compartmentalized reference and bibliographic instruction. (PEN)

Discussion of library Internet access and filtering focuses on a survey of Ohio public libraries that showed 17% of libraries are using filters to restrict access. Legal actions, Internet use policies, alternatives to filtering, complaints from the public, and recent court cases are examined. (LRW)

Discusses strategies for success used by the seven libraries that have won the Library of the Year award sponsored by Library Journal and The Gale Group (formerly Gale Research Inc.). Highlights include self-promotion; recognition for innovative planning and programs; fundraising benefits of winning; public-relations benefits; community benefits;…

Describes the New York State Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Clearinghouse that is run by the New York State Library and discusses hands-on GIS technology used as an enhancement to its reference services. Topics include community building, in-house projects, library database development, outreach, and the future of GIS reference. (LRW)

This group of articles focusing on poetry by and for teenagers includes a list of recommended volumes and anthologies, winners of the 1998 VOYA Teen Poetry Contest, and articles on a poetry coffeehouse, how libraries can be a niche for teens, launching a teen poetry program, and school-public library partnerships for poetry projects. (AEF)

Discusses information literacy and information-technology literacy, focusing on the responsibility of academic libraries to impart necessary skills. A sidebar by Kimberley M. Donnely "Learning from the Teaching Libraries" gives examples of four models of information-literacy development by colleges and universities. (AEF)

Explores issues surrounding the development of Internet services for children in public libraries; discusses literature and literacy issues in relation to information and communication technology; and describes a Web site, developed in the United Kingdom, based on "Treasure Island," that could serve as a model for integrating technology…

Considers ways in which library services can be more proactive in today's networked-computer environment. Discusses how to find and use patterns of behavior, such as borrowing behavior and profiles of patrons' interests; making a CD-ROM with information describing the library's services and products; and reviving telephone reference. (LRW)

Describes programs at the Toronto Public Library that teach Internet skills to adult learners, including English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes and undereducated adults. Highlights include a sample lesson plan; experiences with adult-literacy classes; expanding Internet training; and Web sites for ESL and adult-literacy classes. (LRW)

Describes the special library's role in implementing ISO 9000 (i.e., a series of international quality-assurance standards developed by the International Organization of Standards). Topics discussed include document and data control, keeping the standards current, documentation of procedures, the ISO 9000 audit, and benefits for the library. (MES)

Answers commonly asked questions on library law that may arise under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Discusses fees for public records, rules libraries must follow for public information requests, individual library information-provision policy, and FOIA requirements for creation and disclosure of library records. (AEF)

Describes the emergence of communities of digital library (DL)research and practice, explores directions of digital libraries arising from these communities and speculates on future directions which point toward the need for extensive research in digital libraries and for the transformation of libraries as institutions. (AEF)