This study, conducted at the University of Wyoming (UW), illustrates the complexity involved in making reasonable decisions about which electronic products to make available in the library. UW is a member of the CARL Alliance, and utilizes the CARL integrated online system which includes an OPAC, circulation, serials control, bibliographic…

This study investigated factors related to five antecedents of library anxiety among college students: (1) barriers with staff (the perception that librarians and other library staff are intimidating and unapproachable; (2) affective barriers (feelings of inadequacy about using the library); (3) comfort with the library (how safe, welcoming, and…

This study was performed to help answer questions surrounding the use of interlibrary loan data as a component in selecting periodicals to add to the subscription base of the Penrose Library at the University of Denver (Colorado). Few subscriptions were placed in this library in the 1980s that were not driven by interlibrary loan requests. If…

With the support of a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville libraries placed Scholar's Workstations at four sites with personnel involved in environmental studies. Each workstation functioned as an electronic branch library providing on-site access to selected central library services, information…

This paper discusses transformational change in academic libraries, as digital technology alters how services are provided, research is conducted, and learning occurs. Highlights include: advantages of libraries over the World Wide Web; redefining the knowledge management paradigm; two different types of information (i.e., explicit and tacit); a…

This paper discusses performance measurement in university libraries, based on examples from the University of Wollongong (UoW) in Australia. The introduction highlights the integration of information literacy into the curriculum and the outcomes of a 1998 UoW student satisfaction survey. The first section considers performance indicators in…

Library service is one of the critical elements for designing a successful distance program in terms of learner support at a distance. Before a library service can be developed, three questions need to be answered: First, what are the expectations and needs of students and faculty in online programs? Second, what kinds of library services are…

The past 5 years have seen enormous change in the style of reference work that is done by librarians at the University of Rhode Island (URI) Library. Before the arrival of publicly accessible online databases and catalogs, there were clear lines regarding "doing reference" and teaching how to use the library. Now efforts are more…

Since 1989, the Reference and User Services Association/Management and Operation of User Services Section's Management of Reference Committee has successfully used case studies to foster structured discussions among public service librarians on a wide variety of issues relating to managing change in reference services. The information offered in…

The University of Queensland (Australia) Library (UQL) conducted a pilot study to investigate how the university's leading researchers and postgraduate students gather information and what services and/or collections would create the ideal research environment for them. At focus group sessions, researchers and students were asked about information…

This paper begins with a discussion of information management as it pertains to the four operations of automated library systems (i.e., acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and reference). Library staff reactions to library automation change are summarized, including uncertainty, cynicism, and resignation or hope. Common pitfalls that interfere…

Long regarded as the premier monographic series in its area of coverage, "Advances in Library Administration and Organization" offers research perspectives that are both timely and lively. This 18th volume continues the series' long practice of bringing to its professional and academic readership an eclectic mix of scholarship and longish essays.…

The current strategic plan of the South Carolina State Library contains five goals: provide information resources and services to meet the needs of the people of South Carolina; provide statewide programs to support local library services; serve as the advocate for libraries in South Carolina; encourage cooperation among libraries of all types;…

The purpose of this research project was to examine the current state of libraries in the Solomon Islands with particular attention to the resources available and the services provided. Data was collected through a survey questionnaire, site visits, and informal interviews carried out in the Solomon Islands between July and August 1998. The 20…

This book presents the processes involved in planning, programming, designing, and constructing academic library buildings. Chapters are arranged by topic in the general chronological order in which most projects proceed. Although this volume is concerned with the planning of academic libraries, there are many similarities with the planning of…