As the need to access information increases, school librarians must create virtual libraries. Linked to reliable reference resources, the virtual library extends the physical collection and library hours and lets students learn to use Web-based resources in a protected learning environment. The growing number of virtual schools increases the need…

Describes the Victorian Women Writers Project, a full-text poetry database created and published on the World Wide Web by Indiana University Libraries. Electronic formats such as graphical, character-based, and proprietary files are discussed, along with standards for formatting, including ASCII, HTML, and Text Encoding Initiatives. Decisions must…

Explores ways librarians are using the Web for instruction and to support faculty use of the Web for teaching. Topics include identifying user characteristics and needs, including remote access; library planning; Web-based tools for user instruction, including tutorials; electronic reference; Web pages for courses, including faculty collaboration;…

Libraries are moving to an environment where information resources are located worldwide and can be accessed from remote locations. Librarians need to free themselves from the constraints of the reference desk. Implementing a hierarchical model with a mix of librarian and nonlibrarian staffing can improve user services. (JMV)

Discusses the changing role of libraries as advances in information technology are made and describes projects that involve Digital Equipment Corporation. Highlights include changes in vendor products, services, and alliances; meeting user needs; statewide networks; Sonoma Internet Library Access Software; electronic libraries; open computing;…

Production of the meta-data supporting the Informedia Digital Video Library interface is automated using techniques derived from artificial intelligence research. Speech recognition and natural-language processing, information retrieval, and image analysis are applied to produce an interface that helps users locate information and navigate more…

Presents an analysis of the Internet Public Library (IPL) from an economic perspective, using the model of the cost-minimizing firm. Highlights include application of the model to the IPL, analysis of revenue and cost in the reference department, analysis of reference statistics, and unit cost of reference service. (AEF)

Asserts that the United States government information's five stakeholders--federal agencies, Government Printing Office (GPO), depository libraries, commercial sector, and the public will need to change drastically in reaction to improved technologies. Notes that the concept of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) network may have…

Examines the technologies and issues involved in assuring distance education students access to the electronic library. Discusses the changing nature of distance learning; issues in providing access to electronic resources; new models for the distance learning environment; and the Western Governors University collaborative resource sharing effort.…

Describes the Kansas Digital Library (KDL), a comprehensive, electronic library of visual, textual and auditory information resources. Discusses projects that KDL sponsors, including Blue Skyways, a Web site that functions as a subject-oriented entryway to the Web for Kansas librarians. Reports that the KDL is an example of a successful state…

Describes CBUC (The Consortium of Academic Libraries of Catalonia) (Spain) that includes eight universities and the state library. Highlights include structure; funding; programs for increasing document accessibility, including the collective Web-based catalog and interlibrary loans; the Digital Library of Catalonia; and programs for facilitating…

Presents an administrative overview on planning needed to implement information technology-based reference and instructional services in academic libraries. Discusses staffing; troubleshooting; fund raising and budget development; consortia and digital resources; and the need for continuing education. (LRW)

Considers the increase in the variety of electronic reference options in academic libraries based on surveys of ARL (Association of Research Libraries) members. Discusses online catalogs; CD-ROM databases; World Wide Web access; and changes in library instruction, including formal instruction, point-of-use instruction, and Internet instruction.…

This article presents three research methods--Think Alouds, Think Afters, and Think Togethers--as ways of gathering data to describe the experiences of adolescents during instructional activities. These verbal report methods were used in two studies that examined the information-seeking processes of adolescents in Inuvik, Northwest Territories and…

This paper traces some of the ways that IT has changed and continues to change our lives, and how information and communication technologies or ICT are changing learning in schools. The real potential of ICT is the way it changes learners and the major focus of the paper is on e-learning, a term that combines pedagogy and technology. For this…