A literary scholar interacts with various other speakers at the Fleur Cowles "Fleur" Symposium 2000 (Austin, TX) and makes his own case for the necessity of physical materials that are always yielding new insights. He rues the apparent denigration of paper materials and the reduction of books even in research libraries and suggests that research…

Includes five papers presented at the 1995 VTLS Inc. Fifth Annual Director's Conference in Roanoke (Virginia), entitled "Back to Basics: Rethinking Libraries." Topics include libraries' use of high technology, collection management and electronic publishing, public services and telecommuting clientele, what to expect of library school…

Discusses electronic journals available on the World Wide Web, particularly in the field of education. Highlights include hypermedia journals; journals, the Internet, and education and learning theory; journal formats; the role of the librarian; and concerns, including archiving, copyright, updating, and subscriptions. (LRW)

Discusses the role of university libraries in creating a national library and information service and concludes with an 11-point plan to help maximize the use of university library resources by scientists and scholars throughout Australia. Highlights include the role of national libraries and future patterns for teaching and research. (Author/LRW)

As the World Wide Web grows, it becomes harder to find specific information. Argues that the Web needs to be cataloged and that librarians are best qualified to do it. Discusses the differing philosophies of computer scientists and librarians and problems in keyword searching, archiving, user needs, universal access, and fair use. (PEN)

Reports the results of an information literacy research study in which focus group methodology was used. A small focus group of undergraduates discussed the concept of information literacy and the role of the undergraduate library in developing information literacy skills. Information needs, information seeking, and further research are also…

Describes an Edinburgh-based research project that is exploring issues related to reference work in digital libraries, the role of reference librarians with remote access users, library networking, and collaborative reference work. User experiences and librarian work patterns are related to the design of a prototype Web-based network reference…

Discusses research on student writing and the differences between research by librarians and composition experts; considers faculty perceptions about the role of librarians in the student research process; and examines the literature produced by all three groups and urges renewed efforts to create communication and collaboration among them.…

Discusses adolescent boys who are troubled and considers whether libraries and media centers can make a difference in their lives. Provides a checklist of questions to help libraries determine whether boys are welcome in their libraries and suggests authors and titles that are especially geared toward boys. (LRW)

Examines the economic behavior of academic research libraries, arguing that academic research libraries seek to maximize universities' utility by expanding library collections. Findings are consistent with those from a previous study using a different ranking system and sample data and reconfirm that library collections contribute significantly to…

Three fundamental problems underlie most research in health sciences librarianship: determining what therapies are effective and of good quality, delivering information when and where it is needed, and in forms that will increase its use. Developments in health information research will be advanced through collaboration across disciplines and…

Examines three essential questions and suggests areas for research in each: (1) How are digital resource users best served: What resources will they want? How will they want to use them? What services will most enhance use? (2) What elements are required for a coherent preservation strategy covering resources both digital and traditional? (3) What…

A description of the campuswide computer system at Aston University (England) includes a profile of the institution, the information technology strategy adopted, a current local networking project, information technology development priorities for the near future, the role of the library and information service, and management and organizational…

Considers issues facing academic libraries in liberal arts colleges. Topics discussed include the need for faculty support; needs of faculty researchers; collection development, including faculty demands; resource sharing; the impact of information technology; the role of the library; and current awareness services, such as selective dissemination…

Discusses three school activities--electronic messaging, problem solving, and database searching--that make use of computer telecommunications. Multipurpose services, equipment and software, training and support, low-cost start-up ideas, and the role of the library media center are also covered. Two recommended publications on telecommunication…