This description of Info Trac, a laser disc periodical reference system, reviews professional reactions to the system and several user studies. Criticisms are discussed to define the role of such systems in research libraries, and data are presented in five tables. (17 references) (MES)

Suggests steps to be taken regarding six issues affecting the future of information with particular focus on research libraries: end campus compartmentalization (integration of research libraries and computing centers), overcome research library division, accept institutional interdependence, sort out public/private sector roles, build networks of…

Academic and research libraries have tended to dominate change and codification in this area of library work, as much in 1876 as in 1976. (Author)

This document presents data from 124 U.S. and Canadian research libraries that were members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) during the 2001-2002 fiscal year. Since 1987-1988, the number of preservation programs managed by a preservation administrator has grown irregularly from 66 to around 80 in more recent years. A fluctuating…

This document presents data from 123 U.S. and Canadian research libraries that were members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) during the 2003-2004 fiscal year. Since 1987-1988, the number of preservation programs managed by a preservation administrator has grown 66 to as many as 80 in more recent years, with 77 in 2003-2004. Rapidly…

This document presents data from 123 U.S. and Canadian research libraries that were members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) during the 2002-2003 fiscal year. Since 1987-1988, the number of preservation programs managed by a preservation administrator has grown 66 to as many as 80 in more recent years, with 78 in 2002-2003. Shifting…

The 133rd meeting of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) focused on strategies for confronting critical challenges associated with the digital era and for fostering understanding from university leaders and supporters regarding the resources needed to perform successfully in this print plus digital environment. Program Session I,…

This special issue of "ARL: A Bimonthly Report" contains the remarks that William G. Bowen delivered to the research library community in October 2005 at the 147th Membership Meeting of ARL. For the past 17 years Dr. Bowen has served as President of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. In these remarks, entitled "New Times Always; Old Time We Cannot…

This paper discusses the experiences of the Research Department of the Italian Chamber of Deputies over the past few years. The first section describes the origin of the department in the 1970s, including political factors, basic organizational features, and the salient features of the department's activity. The second section addresses the…

This manual provides a beginning approach for research libraries to better describe the use and users of their networked services. The manual also aims to increase the visibility and importance of developing such statistics and measures. Specific objectives are: to identify selected key statistics and measures that can describe use and users of…

This paper discusses ensuring high quality research services that meet client needs, based on experiences at the Research and Information Services of the Ontario Legislative Library (Canada). The first section is an introduction that provides an overview of the Research and Information Services and summarizes factors related to quality control.…

This document is intended to stimulate thinking about the role of the library in the digital age, about the potential--and the imperative--for libraries to meet new needs, and about how these needs will influence the design of physical space. The goal of this document is to expose an array of perspectives on the future of the library and to…

An historical profile of the New York Public Library helps explain its budgeting problems. Extensive fund raising in 1972 enabled the five research libraries to remain open to the public, but sustained federal funding will soon be necessary. (DH)

A description of the methodology used in collecting performance data in a large academic research library is given. Twelve types of surveys used to measure and evaluate users, services, and materials were developed. Costs of providing research services were found to be 64 percent versus 36 percent for instructional purposes (1 reference)…

Predicts that intellectual and technological revolutions will place new and continuing demands on libraries. Public libraries will develop a community orientation where private research facilities exist but public research libraries will also develop. Permanent research and evaluation programs will be established. (JS)