The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide libraries for the blind and those who work in them with a broad overview of matters to be considered in planning and implementing an integrated digital library system. The Guidelines are not intended to provide technical solutions. Given the pace of technological change, solutions can only be developed…

The chapters in this volume, originally presented at the Third Annual Virtual Reference Desk (VRD) conference, "Setting Standards and Making It Real," (Orlando, Florida, November 2001), were organized, revised, and updated to reflect current technology and practice. The VRD conference and the ideas in this book represent the cutting edge…

This article was written to inform North American students and scholars about library resources in Rovinj, Croatia. It deals with study abroad programs and potential library linkages. Seven libraries were identified and librarians from each library were interviewed to learn about scope and services. Of the seven libraries visited, two provided…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Melvil Dewey's work in the American public library, both in Dewey's day and today. Using the writings of Melvil Dewey, as well as writings about him, this study examined what changes Dewey made and influenced as they specifically related to services provided to library users. This included…

A student's selection of a college or university should include an evaluation of the library and its services and resources. Identifying and evaluating a good library are important in determining the level of educational opportunities an institution will provide. This publication is designed to help students make a decision about which college or…

This document contains the following papers from the 2002 Special Libraries Association Conference: (1) "Competencies for the 21st Century Information Professional: Translating the SLA Competencies into Business Competencies" (Sue Henczel); (2) "Compromises along the Way: Balancing Speed to Market with Sustainability While…

Data from a research project on the value and impact of public library book reading have provided insights into the role of the public library in the reading experience. The principle of equity of access was seen as crucial, in that it provided everyone with the opportunity to encounter reading material. Respondents also compared the buying and…

Over time, the Regional Library Systems Act has succeeded in its aim to widen and improve access to library services for all Maine residents. Today, students in the smallest high schools and users of the most remote public libraries can plug into the resources of the largest public libraries in the state and draw on the services of their…

In a university environment, the library can benefit from interest in the digital future on the part of other concerned groups. Computer science departments are natural partners in the development of digital libraries. Professional societies, for-profit companies, and foundations are also potential sources of support. Cornell University Library…

A survey of 103 major academic libraries examined the professional/nonprofessional functions, staffing patterns, changes, and management attitudes towards circulation departments. (10 references) (Author)

Operations Research models of the acquisition and storage functions of a library are developed. Rules for selection of materials for a depository are analyzed and models of circulation interference and usage are explored. A generalized model of library costs and benefits is proposed. (11 references) (Author)

Article describes the easy acquisition of books and information through the use of a computerized library system at Ohio State University. (Author/RK)

Discusses the impact of local online databases on library reference services, including their integration with remote files such as Dialog, Orbit, and the Information Bank. Online catalog databases, multiple local databases (analytics for journal articles, indexes), and batch processing of data are noted. Six references are cited. (EJS)

Identifies leading issues in academic reference service based on survey of literature with emphasis on 1970s and 1980s--bibliographic instruction, computer-based reference and biliographic services, personnel-related topics (specialists, generalists, professional development, nonprofessionals in reference service), measurement and evaluation, and…

Discussion of the organization of the University of British Columbia Data Library jointly operated by the University Library and Computing Center covers historical development, collections policy, composition of the collection, technical services, user services, and current issues. Six references are cited. (EJS)