This current overview of optical disk technology describes the evolving marketplace for optical products, the use of libraries as test sites for prototype CD-ROM (compact disk read-only-memory) products, CD-ROM developments, new optical technologies, and advances in magnetics. A list of some compact disk manufacturers and a glossary of terms are…

Describes an experiment which compares two methods of charging users for online searches; first, a time-based charge; and second, a two-part fee determined by connect time and citations printed. The results are analyzed in terms of patterns of user activity under both systems. (CLB)

Contains contributions by seven library building consultants on designing a forgiving building, i.e., a building that can be modified easily and inexpensively to meet new conditions. Topics include (1) small library design; (2) academic library design; (3) adapting libraries to current and future needs; (4) designing space; (5) the changing…

Discusses the problem of incompetent library supervisors in terms of the process that results in the selection of such supervisors, inappropriate supervisory behaviors, and the effects on employees. Several strategies for coping with an incompetent supervisor are suggested. (4 references) (CLB)

Provides library media activities in art, reading/language arts, science, and social studies on the following specific topics: (1) creating with paper; (2) faces of Santa; (3) insect homes and environments; and (4) life in the Middle Ages. Objectives, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are outlined for each…

This discussion of impending revisions to the Canadian Copyright Act focuses on the need for inclusion of a fair dealing provision in any revisions, defined either through legislation or the courts, and for the use of a random sampling of photocopying in libraries to establish blanket reprography fees. (Author/CLB)

Reviews the historical development of adult and continuing education as provided through the Open University system of Great Britain. An interview with the librarian for Oxford's Department of External Studies examines the current status of the program and describes the library services available to participants. (8 references) (CLB)

This checklist outlines the basic steps to be followed from the time of the recognition of the need for a new building until the actual start of construction. (Author/CLB)

Current technological advances make acquiring and producing oral history records easier for librarians. However, they must be aware of practical, philosophical, political, and legal issues involved therein. Preservation formats include (1) audiotape; (2) videotape; (3) disc recordings; (4) film; (5) slides and audiotapes; and (6) microfilm. (CDD)

Although the library field is heavily populated by women, management positions are largely held by men. While this imbalance is frequently attributed to such factors as social structure and traditional prejudices, writers on self-esteem generally agree that a positive self-concept is significant for women aspiring to library management positions.…

Discusses the performance evaluation problems specific to community college librarians, looking at student evaluations of librarians, peer evaluations, and self-evaluations. Compares two methods, one measuring job performance and professional development factors on a Likert scale and the other consisting of some variation of management by…

Briefly evaluates the use of the InfoTrac system by students at the Indiana University library for computer-assisted searching. The evaluation covers the reliability of the equipment and software; improvements in the system; user needs and satisfaction; and emerging competitive systems. (CLB)

Examines factors which may affect the receptivity of librarians to the use of optical disk technologies, including hardware and software issues, the content of currently available databases, and the integration of optical technologies into existing library services. (CLB)

Facilitating, stimulating, and disseminating scholarship on blues, gospel, Creole, jazz, and other kinds of black music are the goals of the Center for Black Music Research at Columbia College in Chicago. The paucity of black scholars, developing a "union catalog," and the need for reference books are discussed. (MLW)

Printed works dealing with educational history that were recently acquired by the Centre for the Study of the History of Education are cited in this bibliography. (RM)