This interview with the presidents of two firms in the electronic news delivery business--Desktop Data and Individual, Inc.--explores the merger of the two companies that resulted in the formation of NewsEDGE Corporation, which provides selected news briefings based on the Internet. The role of the corporate library is also discussed. (LRW)

Considers whether libraries are artifact-bound institutions and therefore will be replaced as the dominant technology for information communication moves from tangible objects to electronic bits on a network. Topics include what libraries are for; libraries as information subsidy; subsidies for networked information; and the digital library as…

After years of cutbacks, the pivotal role of public libraries in providing lifelong learning resources is being recognized. In Britain, a consortium for public-library networking is extending libraries' ability to deliver knowledge-based services. (SK)

Reports on a study designed to identify the authors of academic library home pages and to investigate the nature of their training and their use of newly-acquired Web-design skills. Considers professional identity, length of service, current job title, prior education, and institutional support. Contains 34 references. (Author/LRW)

Explains four historical discontinuities: time and space; mind and body; real and virtual; and humans and technology. Considers how an awareness of them can assist librarians in creating virtual space for libraries, adapting to changing roles, and developing new value-added services. (Contains 126 references.) (Author/LRW)

Traces the history of the Harry Lasker Library at the Highlander Research and Education Center near Knoxville, Tennessee, from the first book donations in 1933 to its revitalization in the mid-1990s. Discusses the role of the library as a resource center supporting nonformal education for social activism and the contributions of librarians Hilda…

Provides an overview of universal Web design and discusses guidelines developed by the Web access initiative (WAI) that focus on the access needs of Web users with disabilities. Highlights include barriers for people with print disabilities or motor impairments; the role of libraries; and resources to assist Web designers. (LRW)

Describes the Hunter Education Librarians Project (HELP), a project begun at Western Carolina University (North Carolina) to gather information about the changing roles and professional development needs of school media coordinators. Preparations for the information-gathering meeting, setup and structure of the meeting, findings, and conclusions…

Investigates how intranets are being used based on a survey of corporations and international organizations. Discusses good management practices for the development of intranets which stimulate knowledge sharing and the role they could play in facilitating knowledge management initiatives, and considers the role of libraries and information…

Articulates key changes occurring around information literacy and raises issues just recently considered such as: what libraries will become; what students need to learn about navigating the new library space; how the role of the librarian is changing; and what these new roles and capacities imply for the relation between teacher and librarian and…

Summarizes results of a survey of ARL (Association of Research Libraries) webmasters that investigated aspects of their roles and job tasks. Discusses their education; job responsibilities; job satisfactions and dissatisfactions; and their opinions about Web committees and the role of librarians in Web site development. Offers suggestions for…

Current relationships between libraries and adult learners are shaped by technology adoption, learner demographics, constructivist learning, and institutional pressures. Future relationships must emphasize learner-centered action over technological efficiency, stronger learning leadership, and greater integration of libraries in educational…

In providing information services for distance learners, the University of Surrey library found Internet-based services difficult and time consuming. Issues concerning access and copyright put librarians into the position of "fact controllers," deciding what resources could be offered to distance learners to support their studies. (SK)

Change Analysis; Discusses after-school homework programs in public libraries that help latchkey children and others who need extra support and encouragement. Considers changes in librarian's attitudes toward homework help; the history and need for community-based after-school programs; scholastic benefits for students; and library staff benefits,…

Defines and discusses innovation in organizations and considers roles that information professionals can play in encouraging and supporting innovation in their organizations. Highlights include understanding future possibilities; contributing to strategy development; distilling information to create added value; developing partnerships; organizing…