The author investigates issues faced by academic research libraries in providing virtual reference services to unaffiliated users. These libraries generally welcome visitors who use on-site collections and reference services, but are these altruistic policies feasible in a virtual environment? This paper reviews the use of virtual reference…

UCLA, which has one of the top 10 research libraries in the country, has been using Taos software since 1996. However in 2001, Sirsi Corp. announced that it was freezing development on Taos software. As the associate university librarian for information technology at UCLA, the author relates that it was his responsibility to lead the way through…

Supporting the information needs of researchers adequately is a major challenge for university libraries. This paper outlines results of a survey of 23 researchers conducted by Deakin University Library into their information needs and perceptions of the library's role and performance. The survey challenged established ideas about researchers'…

This article discusses what the growing generation gap among library employees mean for academic research libraries and for the profession. Viewed collectively, the members of the under-35 cohort are a harbinger of a new kind of academic library professional, one whose traits bear directly on the ability of libraries to thrive amid the continuing…

Using data on libraries collected by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), as well as fall-to-fall retention rates obtained from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), this study employs statistical…

From the beginning, those planning UC Merced hoped to create a different type of research university. The campus was intentionally placed in the San Joaquin Valley, a region of California with high poverty, low educational attainment, and great ethnic diversity. With the educational needs of the region in mind, one among many of the innovations…

During the last decade, research has become increasingly important to the profession of librarianship. Seven library schools now have doctoral programs, foundation grants have stimulated and supported scores of major projects, and the research method has been recognized as an accepted technique for solving library problems. The increasing volume…

"ARL Statistics 2005-06" is the latest in a series of annual publications that describe collections, staffing, expenditures, and service activities for the 123 members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Of these, 113 are university libraries and 10 are public, governmental, and nonprofit research libraries. Data reported by libraries…

Information Literacy (IL) competencies are defined as "the ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively" and are considered essential for students in their academic lives and future careers (ALA, 1989). IL plays an important role in developing critical thinking and problem solving skills, and improving academic…

The ARL Partnerships Program was created to enhance diversity in research libraries and allied associations. The goal was to actively engage more libraries and library-related organizations in advancing diversity initiatives. This compilation of diversity programs and activities highlights the efforts of libraries and library associations…

This document is an annual guide that serves as the organizational handbook and directory of the Bibliographic Instruction Section (BIS) of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). It contains five sections: the organizational structure of the BIS, procedural information such as bylaws and the responsibilities of officers and…

Preservation efforts are needed immediately to save a quarter of all the volumes housed in research libraries. These books are turning to dust because alum sizing was introduced into the paper-making process in the mid-1800s. The destruction of some books can be reversed through deacidification. The content of other books can be saved only by…

This guide of the Bibliographic Instruction Section (BIS) of the Association of College and Resource Libraries (ACRL) serves as the organizational handbook and directory of BIS officers and committee members. The handbook opens with a description of the organizational structure of BIS. BIS is composed of an Executive Committee, an Advisory…

This collection of copyright policies from member libraries of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) contains: (1) ARL briefing papers on reproduction of copyrighted materials for classroom use and current issues in library photocopying; (2) university copyright policies from New York University, Rutgers University, University of…

Responses to a one-page questionnaire on library security were received from 89 of 117 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions (76%). The questions, which covered administrative security control, security policies and procedures, permanent identification of library materials, and swift responses to possible theft were derived from a…