Because the publication of census data on CD-ROM has expanded the capabilities of users, librarians need to consider issues involved in providing census and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services, selecting GIS software, and providing user support. (JMV)

Discussion of multicultural workforces focuses on the need for reference librarians to increase their supervisory communication skills to effectively manage their departments. Topics addressed include cross-cultural communication; values of other cultures; listening skills; and speaking skills. (Contains seven references.) (LRW)

Describes a problem-solving exercise used to develop transferable skills through student exploration of university library materials. Maintains that the study was part of a research design course in human geography. Includes six tables and two figures illustrating and analyzing the approach. (CFR)

Considers the role of the library media specialist as information professional and educator as changes in the learning environment and curriculum take place. Topics include roles as information manager, curriculum consultant, teacher, and manager of an information center; leadership; change agent; staff development; and needed competencies. (LRW)

Presents a study of Archimedes as a HyperCard reference tool at the University of Michigan, and compares uses to similar projects. Results from studied points (i.e., system design and use statistics) support Archimedes: the system sees more use during reference hours when a librarian is unavailable, and user time is comparable to time spent with a…

Examines how electronic journals are increasing the demands on library collection development, access, and ownership of electronic information. Presents collection development scenarios that address the effects of technology on library processes, and raises some technical and social issues created by electronic information. Also discusses the…

Describes the "International Dictionary of Ballet" and provides an activity for grades 6-9 that can be used by the school library media specialist in cooperation with the music teacher. Resource materials are listed (including books and nonprint materials), and suggestions for adaptation to other curriculum areas are offered. (LRW)

Three articles on evaluation cover the use of the Internet as a reference resource and raise network policy issues: "The Internet as a Reference and Research Tool" (Edmund F. Santa Vicca); "NREN Update, 1993: Washington Policy" (Carolyn S. Elliot); and "Evaluating Physical Science Reference Sources on the Internet"…

Describes a publicly funded, five-day training program presented by the University of Michigan's School of Information Studies, which was designed to train school library media specialists to use and apply virtual library technology. The importance of the virtual library concept, the training rationale, and a day-by-day overview of activities are…

Discusses the use of computer networks and software in libraries and/or classrooms. Benefits for students and teachers are described, including improved communication between students and between students and teachers; guidelines for selecting hardware are suggested, including workstations and printers; and planning considerations are discussed.…

Discusses subject searching problems in online library catalogs; explains advanced information retrieval (IR) techniques; and describes experiments conducted on a test collection database, CHESHIRE (California Hybrid Extended SMART for Hypertext and Information Retrieval Experimentation), which was created to evaluate IR techniques in online…

Describes analyses of 3 searches conducted in an academic library by 11 novice users of full-text databases. The study examined affective search behavior, search strategies, and searcher assessments of retrieved material. Results of interviews, transaction log analysis, and audiotape recordings of search sessions are discussed, and further…

Three librarians--Barbara A. Genco from Brooklyn, New York; Eleanor K. MacDonald from Beverly Hills, California; and Betsy Hearne from Chicago, Illinois--share their perspectives on where popular literature should fit into library material selection and children's reading diets. Popular literature is defined as primarily that which has first…

Describes methods used to teach library skills to limited English proficient students in a California high school. Cultural attitudes toward librarians, methods for teaching library etiquette and a unit for teaching research skills and writing a research paper are covered. (two references) (KRN)

Summarizes a research project on the perceptions of library and information science faculty and staff about part-time and distance students. Topics explored include the extent of agreement between deans and faculty members about these students and the relationship of factors such as faculty rank and school size to respondent perceptions. (Contains…