Reviews current methods of public library financing through governmental support at the local, state, and federal level. The imposition of user fees is proposed as a method of preserving equity; i.e., individuals receiving the benefits would bear the costs. (JVP)

This article presents analysis and survey results of a program designed for bibliographic instruction at Wabash College. The project employed trained student assistants as the primary agents for information transfer. The student assistants worked in closely structured courses that demanded regular library use. (Author/AP)

Provides background information on the development of the Ramapo Catskill Library System's (NY) LibraryLand Web site. Highlights include other library-related resource guides on the Web; an emphasis on public libraries; graphics; links; the use of HTML; and templates for designing library home pages. (LRW)

Examines some of the changes that network technology has brought to academic computer services since the mid-1980s and discusses changes that may be expected in libraries as a result. Examples from the State University of New York College at Geneseo illustrate the discussion. Effects of the Internet are also considered. (LRW)

Discusses the persistence of women children's book pioneers in the current practice of children's literature and services curriculum in library and information science programs, drawing on the theoretical work of the feminist philosopher Elizabeth Minnich. A survey of children's literature faculty in schools of library and information science is…

Discussion of problem patrons in libraries focuses on how businesses handle customer complaints, namely regarding them as opportunities to improve customer service and satisfaction. Suggests libraries need to provide channels for patrons to make complaints, follow up on them, and train staff to deal with user dissatisfaction. (Author/LRW)

The obstacles faced by the online subscription library, Questia, illustrate the pitfalls of designing an online library for college students without winning over librarians and faculty. A major problem is the small size of Questia's collections. (SLD)

Explores factors in the history of the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) that have contributed to the positive response of the digital library and information community toward version 2 of the OAI Protocol for Metadata Harvesting. Factors include focus on a defined problem statement, an operational model in which strong leadership is balanced with…

Discusses a teen book group's discussion of "Shattering Glass," a new young adult novel by Gail Giles. Describes planning; the book's plot; the book discussion; the librarians' conversation with the author which passed along students' comments; and reflections on the experience. (AEF)

Discusses issues related to libraries filtering Internet searches. Topics include the American Library Association (ALA) stand against any form of Internet censorship, the increasing use of GUIs (graphical user interfaces), First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, and deciding on the criteria for filtering. (LRW)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of limited outsourcing in libraries, focusing on the purchase of electronic bibliographic records. Argues that any outsourcing strategy based primarily on saving money is likely to result in lower quality collections and services and lower user satisfaction. (PEN)

Reports on Counting on Results, a project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services that developed and tested tools to standardize and simplify the collection of outcome data from public library patrons. Discusses results of questionnaires that addressed "Planning for Results" service responses. (Author/LRW)

Describes the Interactive Reference Assistance project developed at the University of Michigan to provide remote reference service for students in campus residence halls through the use of specialized software, desktop computers, and desktop cameras that allowed video and audio links directly to library reference staff. (LRW)

Describes external sources of funding for public libraries to establish and maintain their technology infrastructure, telecommunications services, and network-based resources and services. Highlights include LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act); the E-rate program; and the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation U.S. Library Program. (LRW)

In these opening remarks, the First Lady welcomes the attendees to the White House Conference on School Libraries, including four members of Congress and several guest speakers. Presents conference focus on libraries - school libraries, community libraries - as places that are designed to enrich lives and learning. (MES)