Stresses the need to show students the value of traditional print resources while at the same time introducing them to the speed and efficiency of electronic resources in school libraries. Discusses speed of access, quality, electronic research, and electronic books and reading online versus reading a sequential, self-paced print book. (LRW)

Explores how academic researchers disaggregate and reaggregate scientific journal articles in both print and digital environments. Analyzes data gathered in the NSF/DARPA/NASA Digital Libraries Initiative (DLI) project at the University of Illinois to describe how components are mobilized in the work of researchers as they identify, retrieve, read…

Discussion of digital library projects at Rutgers University focuses on publishing bibliographic databases on the Web to provide access to information sources not likely to be published elsewhere. Describes the reusable technology platform concept, bibliographic platform architecture, metadata approach, data entry, and managing the process.…

Describes the University of Michigan Digital Library Program, a collaborative enterprise that has built digital content and an information infrastructure for the campus community. Discusses initial planning; program goals and strategy; the information gateway; project-based program strategy; principles of digital library development; partnerships…

"Cyberpunk librarian," a metaphor for librarians operating in cyberspace, is defined. This article describes the properties and culture of the electronic frontier, discusses the social impact of cyberspace, examines the role of libraries and librarians in the future. Argues that librarians can help shape a vision of cyberspace that…

Discusses developing and implementing a collection plan for building Web-based e-libraries. The starting point for developing any collection plan is an assessment of the function of and need for an information collection and the audience it will serve. Discusses guidelines and practical strategies on where and how to find, identify, evaluate, and…

Describes the new facilities at the New York Public Library, the British Library, and the National Library of France, including reference service, delivery time for books, and general ambience. Also reports on a conference that addressed issues related to scholarly communication and digital technology in the academic community. (LRW)

Explores the use, revision, and evaluation of a written, self-paced tour that precedes librarian-led instruction at the Indiana State University library. Presents student reactions to the tour and its accompanying exercises. Guidelines for administering the tour and a questionnaire on tour use are appended for readers to answer and submit to the…

Discusses the concept of cyberspace, defines three different levels that have been or will be attained, and compares it with mediaspace; examines the concept of virtualization, particularly the virtual library, and defines three different levels; and describes the concepts of cybrarians, cyberocracy, and cyberology. (Contains seven references.)…

Explores the utility of the intersection of genre theory and cognitive psychology in providing a meaningful framework for analysis and design purposes. Reports results of research into the elements of genre that influence users of digital documents and provides examples of the usefulness of this analysis in Web-based environments. (Author/AEF)

Analyzes Web sites of ten large research libraries in order to establish a basic understanding of how some major libraries are currently providing virtual reference services. Discusses centralization; email reference guidelines; creating a service economy; expanding hours of service; virtual users' needs; and real-time virtual reference.…

Discusses the concept of Earth's Largest Library (ELL), a mega-virtual library based on the Amazon.com model. Topics include who will be included; privacy; censorship; scope of the collection; costs; legal aspects; collection development; personnel management; access; the concept of community; public service; lending policies; technical…

Discusses Internet-based electronic content management in digital libraries and considers the future of academic libraries. Topics include digital technologies; content management systems; standards; bandwidth; security and privacy concerns; legal matters, including copyrights and ownership; lifecycle; and multilingual access and interface. (LRW)

Growing numbers of libraries are experimenting with a new form of interactive reference to extend service to their patrons at the point-of-need and time-of-need. Examines digital reference for the altered user culture and point-of-need service products. Describes a pilot project offering chat reference service. Discuses developing service…

Reports the results of a survey of reference librarians in public and academic libraries that investigated experiences with and attitudes toward the use of digital and networked technologies and resources in reference work. Highlights include a correlation between experiences and positive attitudes; characteristics of librarians; and current and…