This guide to functions to consider in selecting an academic library automation system to operate in a networked environment covers (1) the current academic networking environment; (2) library automation hardware and software platforms; (3) user interface requirements for public access; and (4) security and authentication. (10 references) (MES)

Reviews publications that examine the quality of American higher education and suggest methods for improving education at the baccalaureate level. The discussion covers the treatment of the role of college libraries in these reports, reactions of librarians to the reports, and the need for librarians to gain full participation in the education…

A dramatic growth in computing and communications was precipitated largely by the leadership of President David Roselle at the University of Kentucky. A new operational structure of information resource management includes not only computing (academic and administrative) and communications, instructional resources, and printing/mailing services,…

This study of the online catalog at a large academic library focuses on the nature of problems for which users seek librarians' assistance. Characteristics of users, types of searches, kinds of problems, the effect of prior experience with the system, and user suggestions for improving the system are examined. (10 references) (Author/MES)

Discussion of human engineering factors of using online catalogs offers guidelines for selection and placement of terminals and furniture. (eight references) (MES)

Describes the development of a salary formula for academic librarians that incorporates component values of quantifiable criteria based on base salaries, the determination of individual qualifications, and the analysis of professional positions. Applications and adaptations of the formula are discussed. (10 references) (CLB)

Reviews the history of the network that supports the MELVYL online union catalog, describes current technological and policy issues, and discusses the role the network plays in integrating local automation, the union catalog, access to resource databases, and other initiatives. Sidebars by Mark Needleman discuss the TCP/IP protocol suite, internet…

Asserts that, although many arguments in favor of user fees for library services are based on economics, little economic benefit is actually gained by levying charges for some services. A microeconomics model that has been used to demonstrate the benefits of user fees is critiqued, and the issue of accountability is discussed. (23 references) (CLB)

Examines the nature of corporate change and its impact on academic business libraries' corporate documents collections. Approaches librarians may use to monitor and manage change are discussed, and several relevant printed and online sources are noted. (five references) (MES)

Discusses the need for research libraries to develop a greater sense of financial accountability, both from a moral standpoint and to provide better services. Topics covered include areas where cost benefit tradeoffs have been neglected, possible consequences of not becoming accountable, and the debate over user fees. (12 references) (CLB)

Describes the development of the American university and uses the political economics paradigm to describe the relationship between the academic library and its parent university. The discussion covers the anarchic nature of the university and the implications for the academic library. (35 notes with references) (CLB)

Argues that reference librarians serve as consultants at the point of interaction as they educate patrons in the use of the online catalog and demonstrate their role in finding and providing information. Specific areas of consultation are discussed as is the relationship of formal instruction to point of use instruction. (10 references) (MES)

Summarizes the results of 11 selected studies of the accuracy of reference services and identifies six modes of failure of reference services. Methods of detecting and reducing failure in each of these modes are then discussed. (17 references) (MES)

Following an introduction to this special issue on library workstations, six articles discuss: (1) characteristics of workstation technology; (2) what is available in the library workstation marketplace; (3) potential of the Macintosh in the library workstation market; (4) local area networks; (5) networking on campus; and (6) assembling your own…

This first of a two-part series on resources in major university music libraries contains "Rare Resources in the Yale Music Library" (Harold E. Samuel) and "The Music Library, University of California, Berkeley" (John H. Roberts). Topics discussed include special collections, rare books and manuscripts, music archives, and…