Compares results of a 1998 survey concerning university library support staff perceptions and opinions about technological change to results of a similar survey administered to the same population in 1988. Offers the evolving perceptions, opinions, and suggestions of these library personnel as a resource for better planning of library automation…

This annual compilation is designed as a resource for access to products (hardware and software) and services related to library automation and information storage. Sections include products and services by category, vendor, and brand name, as well as addresses (including phone/fax, e-mail, and URL for web pages) of companies and consultants. (AEF)

Reviews efforts by the Arabian Gulf Region (21 countries) to develop the ARABMARC exchange format for cataloging non-Roman scripts. Provides details of the availability of the Arabic script support in various automated systems in operation in the Gulf Region. Presents a critical review of the Arabic script support on the Research Libraries…

Presents tips for building a secure library system to guard against threats like hackers, viruses, and theft. Topics include: determining what is at risk; recovering from disasters; developing security policies; developing front-end security; securing menu systems; accessing control programs; protecting against damage from viruses; developing…

Discusses library personnel role-blurring driven by budget cuts, technology, and promotion requirements for professional staff. Notes that hard feelings must be overcome, the need for compensation must be acknowledged, and job descriptions rewritten. Concludes with a discussion on the importance of staff development. (AEF)

Explains the benefits of computer workstations in schools and describes various components, including projection tools such as LCD (liquid crystal display) projectors, printers, Internet connections, tape drives, digitizers, scanners, laserdisc players, and CD-i (interactive) players. (LRW)

Contains profiles of integrated online library systems (IOLS) software for special libraries, along with a chart that compares key features and functionalities for both circulation control and online catalogs. The software packages of 18 separate vendors are represented. Profiles were assembled from previously published information, including…

Examines factors that have necessitated a review of traditional library organization structure and describes a study that examined the new subject-centered organizational structure of the University of Botswana Library. Positive and negative aspects of the new organization are discussed, and a study of subject librarians' time management is…

Proposes a new transitional budget model to help make libraries adept at and comfortable with change during the transition to an increasingly electronic knowledge environment, emphasizing staff education and training, new service opportunities, user responsiveness, teamwork, fiscal empowerment, and more effective management systems. (Contains nine…

Describes major developments in book approval plans used by academic libraries for acquisition and for information dissemination and document distribution services based on approval-like concepts. Topics addressed include publishers; marketing; the impact of library automation; value-added services; the economic climate; the influence of…

Explores the future of reference librarianship within the context of the enabling technologies that will chart library development in the 21st century. The article types libraries into categories of "traditional,""automated,""hybrid," and "digital." The typology delineates shifts in human/machine…

Describes ways to provide interlibrary loan (ILL) services on the Web and discusses the decisions that Ohio University's Alden Library made when creating ILL forms. Highlights include using common gateway interface (CGI) scripts; choosing commercial software products; changing user needs and expectations; technical considerations; and design…

Discusses why innovation is important for technical services and lists requirements: the ability to envision the future, the use of intuitive thinking and creativity, and well-managed implementation. Examines systems for verification and delivery of bibliographic records (OCLCs Passport for Windows and PromptCat), and outsourcing and…

The support of electronic services requires special skills and in many cases more, not fewer, staff hours. Each library must develop individual solutions to this dilemma, but many will find useful a model that incorporates three basic elements: utilization of experienced librarians, targeted recruiting of entry-level librarians and creative…

This study of Arkansas college students (n=332) examined the role of technology in determining levels of library anxiety. Of five dimensions of library anxiety [(1) barriers with staff, (2) affective barriers, (3) comfort with the library, (4) knowledge of the library, and (5) mechanical barriers], that of mechanical barriers--feelings resulting…