Outsourcing library cataloging offers advantages and disadvantages. This article discusses case studies of outsourcing projects at Michigan State University, SUNY Binghamton, Loyola University, Truckee Meadows Community College, and Wright State University. Highlights the retrospective conversion and reclassification of the Mines/Engineering…

Full-text services require more instruction and reference help than electronic bibliographic databases. To relieve pressure on reference staff, librarians at Pennsylvania State University developed weekly "Just-in-Time" demonstrations to help patrons learn how to use LEXIS-NEXIS. This article provides an overview of LEXIS-NEXIS and…

Emphasizing that behavior and attitude are what mark a professional, the status and impressions of library support personnel are examined. Focuses on the experiences of an MLS holder in a nonprofessional academic library position. Discusses treatment by librarians and other support staff and emerging communication among support personnel. (AEF)

Investigates the nature of paraprofessionals' work in original cataloging activities at ARL (Association of Research Libraries) institutions and compares findings with those of an earlier study. Findings reveal 77.1% of the cataloging department heads reported paraprofessional involvement in one or more cataloging activities. Reasons cited…

A study of the information needs of off-campus higher degree by research students studying by distance education from Deakin University (Victoria, Australia). Study found that, although only 26.3% received guidance in research methods from supervisors, 83.7% used the Deakin University library and that, although 86% used libraries other than their…

To identify areas where seats could be removed to accommodate a growing collection, the University of Wollongong (New South Wales, Australia) library surveyed patron seating usage. The survey supported a 12% reduction in seating, which enabled the installation of additional shelving and a compactus to store 20,000 volumes while having a minimal…

Discusses results of a comparative survey of 201 academic librarians, 126 unaffiliated and 75 unionized, that revealed wide disparities in the opportunities for librarians to meet the scholarship and governance requirements for faculty status. Results confirm that the absence of uniform representation has profound implications for the future of…

Examines the perceived prestige of professional journals held by the deans/directors of American Library Association accredited schools of library and information studies and the directors of Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Results suggest that the two survey populations hold very different views of these professional journals. Eight…

Discusses results of a survey that investigated cases of censorship involving a representative sampling of college and university libraries at two- and four-year state and private schools. Various categories of censorship, identification of problematic materials, and types of complainants are examined. (Author/LRW)

Examines the current perceptions and realities of part-time academic librarians and looks at the New Concept model as a feasible approach to meeting employee and employer needs effectively. Issues of status, equitable compensation, and professional support are discussed; and the impact of part-time librarians on the organization is examined.…

Discusses burnout among bibliographic instruction librarians and describes the use of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a Role Questionnaire with bibliographic instruction librarians in colleges in New England using a mailed survey. Relationships between levels of burnout and role stress, formal educational preparation, and faculty rank and status…

Continues a longitudinal study begun in 1993 of serial cancellations at five midwestern academic research libraries. Discusses cancellation overlap, titles at risk for cancellation, science versus humanities titles, rate of cancellations, serial orders versus cancellations, and language and place of publication. (LRW)

A survey of 97 Ohio college and university libraries provided data on types of accommodations made in Title II (public), Title III (private), and Title IV (communication services and auxiliary aids) with respect to: access; auxiliary aids and services; restroom facilities; signage; and staff and policy making. Investigated the effects of…

Discusses the role of end users in the design of a multi-format digital library project, ISLA (name derived from Spanish word for "island"), being developed at the University of Southern California library for the study of the Los Angeles region. Topics include spatial and temporal indexing; the geographic information system element;…

Outlines the design, objectives, and evaluation of an introductory Internet workshop offered with library instruction classes in an electronic classroom at Queens University (Kingston, Ontario, Canada). Presents teaching tips and frequently-asked questions. The Internet primer handouts are appended. (AEF)