The increase in end-user searching, the advantages and limitations of front ends, and the role of the librarian in end-user searching are discussed. It is argued that librarians need to recognize that front ends can be of benefit to themselves and patrons, and to assume the role of advisors and educators for end-users. (37 references) (CLB)

Describes the growth of academic computing and the resulting need to redefine curriculum, university structures, and the relationship of the university to other institutions and society at large. Topics covered include courseware; the role of academic libraries; the incorporation of online catalogs into national academic networks; and university…

Explains the basic requirements of Proposition 48 and discusses why college student-athletes are an important target for library user education, and how libraries can help student-athletes maintain their eligibility. A library user education module for student-athletes developed at the University of Wisconsin at Madison is described. (20…

Compares the experience of watching television with the experience of reading books, and cites examples of television programs that have introduced viewers to the world of ideas and led them to look for more information in books. Librarians are advised to include a printed bibliography of related books when they check out a video masterpiece. (MES)

Describes the evolution of the scholarly communication system to its current stage, with special attention paid to the fundamental principles that drive the system. The influences of relevant principles of and advances in librarianship on the structuring and restructuring of the system are demonstrated. (nine references) (CLB)

Examines literature on latchkey children and public libraries, and reviews solutions to this issue. Presents four recommendations to help public libraries clarify their role in serving latchkey children: educate personnel regarding appropriate services, develop a written policy, reevaluate programs and services, become involved in a community task…

Discusses corporate sponsorships as a new source of library funding. Highlights include maintaining the library mission, visible endorsement of organizations, use of written guidelines and contracts, and the traditional library role as a "bankable strength." A sidebar describes the Fund for America's Libraries, a source of information on…

Discusses the mission of public libraries in light of the decision to purchase Madonna's book "Sex." Three viewpoints are presented: a critic of selection policies that are too broad in the name of intellectual freedom; the director of a small public library with a limited budget; and a library historian. (Contains 18 references.) (LRW)

Summarizes the results of a survey of state library agencies regarding the degree to which they encourage and assist public libraries in the use of "Planning and Role Setting for Public Libraries" and "Output Measures for Public Libraries," tools that are the accepted standards for planning and performance measurement. (LRW)

Examines the failure of libraries to meet the information needs of gay and lesbian adolescents. Reviews research in homosexuality and the development of homosexual identities. Discusses library services for gays and lesbians, the experience of gays and lesbians in secondary schools, and the role of the school library; provides a content analysis…

Describes a study that investigated search strategies for electronic encyclopedias by observing search activities in a high school media center where students used "The Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia." The teacher's role, the role of the librarian as teacher and as facilitator, student use of electronic resources, and basic skills for…

Collaboration by several school and library associations has resulted in a decision to adopt new job titles, job descriptions, and facility names. Reasons for this change are discussed and some insight into the process is provided by commentary from interviews. (JKP)

Suggests that incentive programs need to be set up with the students' interests first. Discusses planning and implementing, concerns, and schoolwide participation in incentive programs. (RS)

Discussion of the reassessment of undergraduate education focuses on the element of critical thinking. Topics include language and reasoning, the power of stories and narrative structure, critical thinking and bibliographic instruction, enrichment reading and academic libraries, reasoning in an image and electronic culture, and the role of the…

Discusses the future of libraries in rural areas, the role of the community, and possible effects of changing technology in telecommunications. Topics include a historical background, including the Rural Electrification Administration; networking technology; an example of a Rural Area Network in Colorado; and new roles for libraries and…