This publication, which replaces "Standards for Library Functions at the State Level" (third edition) published in 1985) acknowledges and celebrates the richness and diversity of state library agencies while documenting the reality of what they currently do. The publication is divided into two sections. The first section of these standards…

This study used data originally gained from a survey in 1999 to study student satisfaction at Nova Southeastern University, Florida. Survey findings were reported elsewhere. More than 2,300 students responded to the survey. The perspectives of campus-based students were compared with those of students participating in distance education. Survey…

This paper describes the development of a Web site, popular instructional sessions, expanded reference and research services, the addition of more databases, and collection development designed by the California Institute of Technology Library to support an Internet Business class and other business-related ventures on campus. The first section…

In Sweden, most "pensioners" over 65 are healthy and living by themselves, and they can come to the library and take part in programs, borrow books, use the computers, read newspapers and magazines. For those elderly persons who are ill or handicapped and homebound, the library can send books and arrange other services. In Sweden there…

Globalization provides the contextual framework for cultural changes in the library user group. In order to be more effective, and realistically, more client-focused, the reference librarian is challenged to ask again "Who is my client?" in this changing context. This paper presents a positive and practical response to cultural change…

This Critical Issue Bibliography (CRIB) Sheet is divided into sections designed to identify current trends and the changing roles in academic librarianship today. Items listed under State of Affairs identify trends throughout institutions, targeting specific situations from which both administrators and librarians can gain a new perspective about…

The Andy Holt Virtual Library, with a focus on the Humanities and Fine Arts, is free and open to the public, though designed to serve the learning communities within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts at the University of Tennessee-Martin (UT). It also plays a resource role in UT's New College and the Tennessee Governors School for the…

The Montana Certification Program offers librarians, library staff members, and trustees a systematic and progressive method by which to track their continuing education (CE) efforts; the program also offers library boards and managers an opportunity to recognize staff efforts to improve their skills, ability, and knowledge. This first section of…

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) is charged with improving library services throughout the state to ensure that all citizens have access to quality library and information services. Part of this charge includes the responsibility for receiving and administering federal funds to the more than 200 public libraries in Alabama. Federal…

This paper discusses research areas and methods related to library history. The first section outlines research areas, including activities such as services to children in public libraries, mobile libraries, cataloging rules and practice, classification rules and practices, development of bibliographies, organization models, literature offered to…

Libraries and information agencies depend heavily on statistics to describe their services, evaluate their activities, and measure their performance. In the data gathering on which statistical analysis depends, there are always assumptions and uncontrolled variables that interfere with the purity and objectivity of the data, and therefore…

At a time when emphasis is being placed on quality, standards, and accountability, the research world is spending more time assessing the value and impact of library organizations. This paper argues that research in this area requires sociological and psychological research skills. Qualitative data are as important as statistics. Different…

This planning guide for church and synagogue librarians is designed to stimulate ideas for promoting the library. It is meant to be a beginning for relating publicity to events of the year. The programs suggested and the activities described are offered as examples of promotion which have been used successfully. The book is organized by months of…

This digest summarizes the history of public libraries and library literacy programs; describes current delivery models; and discusses initiatives in library literacy, profiling one successful public library program that serves adult English language learners and their families. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education) (Author/VWL)

This paper supplements a previous paper that reported on a tour of leading U.S. research libraries that are investing significantly in and have significant experience with innovative online collections and services. The previous paper reported the following five key challenges: architectural and technical; standards and best practices; strategies…