Discussion of the World Wide Web and the role of academic librarians as online system developers and designers focuses on usability testing. Usability evaluation at OCLC and at the University of Arizona is described, and the integration of the results into their Web and online product designs is discussed. (Author/LRW)

This discussion of library preservation practices for information and cultural materials of value focuses on digital technology. Discusses controlled environments, reformatting, and emergency-preparedness strategies. A sidebar describes the Library of Congress's "American Memory" project to convert information in traditional media to an…

Discusses the role of libraries in distance education for higher education institutions. Highlights include new standards from the Association of College and Research Libraries; the need for planning; promoting the library's role; librarians as instructors; proactive service; and a list of distance-education resources available on the Web. (LRW)

Examines how history graduate students seek information and how they use the university library in their information-seeking process, based on interviews at UCLA. Explores the use of new technologies and the reliance that history graduate students place on reference librarians and librarians in special collections. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the role of the school librarian in teaching technology use to students and teachers. Topics include introducing the Internet to teachers; locating information on the Web; evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing information; applying information skills; and Internet implementation issues. (LRW)

Presents suggestions for library media center advocacy at the grass roots level. Discusses spring ordering and inclusion of staff, new materials, Internet resources, bookmarks, networking, establishing rapport with students, encouraging return of materials, media center as study area during final exams, graduation, attending Board of Education…

Vision 2008, a gathering of technology and library experts, was an unprecedented industry think-tank developed by 3M Library Systems as a means by which the future of libraries could be projected. Participants worked together to map out a best scenario for libraries of the future. Creative thinking and cooperative working were two ideas that the…

An investigation of 133 job advertisements for systems librarians in "American Libraries" in 1996-1997 was conducted. Results show that although systems librarians in different types of libraries may play different roles and have different emphases in their duties, the responsibility and knowledge requirements for them are generally…

Discusses the inadequacy of laws protecting the privacy of library patrons and the necessity of improving confidentiality statutes. Addresses the form the statute should take, what should be covered, libraries the statute should apply to, when exceptions are justified, and how the statute should be enforced. (AEF)

Explores the information needs of gay males in Edmonton (Alberta) and their perceptions of how successful the Edmonton Public Library is in meeting their needs. Data from self-administered questionnaires is reported, and findings indicate that when "coming out" the library was the most significant resource; however, there was…

Discusses the use and integration of technology into the curriculum to develop literacy skills, based on experiences at Sun Valley Elementary School (Winnipeg, Manitoba). Highlights include the use of multimedia; teacher-librarians and technology; setting up a multimedia report; and producing the final project. (LRW)

Describes the role of librarians at National Public Radio, emphasizing the immediacy and accuracy needed at this special library. Discusses journalism, reference materials, clipping files, customer satisfaction, preservation concerns, and funding. (LRW)

Focuses on the current linguistic trends in libraries where use of jargon borrowed from business and computer technology is jeopardizing humanistic expression. Discusses common characteristics of the specialized language; levels of library jargon and obscure language; the danger of specialization to the future of libraries; influences from other…

States that community college students' special needs (developmental and remedial) should be emphasized in community college libraries. Explores different techniques that can and have been utilized for this purpose along with the political and motivational obstacles to implementing them. Programs described include bibliographic instruction,…

Discusses electronic publication and legal deposit (the requirement that publications produced within a certain jurisdiction be deposited, usually in designated libraries which include the national library). The need for extension of deposit requirements to electronic materials, issues of concern, current legislation worldwide, and the role of…