Describes what is ahead for the automated school library, including changes in funding, physical space, and the role of the librarian. Discusses the first wave of change that is already taking shape: the card catalog system. (GR)

Discusses virtual libraries in corporate settings from the viewpoint of five special librarians. Highlights include competitive advantage, space and related collection issues, the use of technology, corporate culture, information overload, library vulnerability and downsizing, and the importance of service over format. (LRW)

Discusses the state of library automation and the benefits and dilemmas of available operating systems. Presents an overview of six vendors selling online library systems (Ameritech, Endeavor, Data Research Associates, Sirsi, Innovative Interfaces, and Ex Libris). Provides sales figures based on the "Library Journal" articles published during the…

There is an electronic revolution in the library which may prove to be a revolution in the humanities and in the nature of learning and education. The humanities are an essentially human enterprise of which the record reposes in books in libraries. The central role of libraries in preserving these ideas must survive the electronic revolution.…

Geographic information system (GIS) technology is a rapidly growing and powerful method for managing and analyzing spatial data and information for libraries. This article introduces GIS basic concepts, reviews GIS usage in libraries, and presents some challenges, strengths, and opportunities for libraries and GIS. Six figures illustrate the…

Discusses the need for an intuitive library information gateway to meet users' information needs and describes the process involved in redesigning a library Web site based on experiences at Roger Williams University. Explains usability testing methods that were used to discover how users were interacting with the Web site interface. (Author/LRW)

This special section on EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) in libraries includes eight articles that discuss experiences in libraries in the United Kingdom, EDI and the acquisitions process in Europe, a Canadian viewpoint, the ILS (Integrated Library Systems) vendor and EDI, public libraries, and EDI in the information services industry. (LRW)

Describes two surveys of three libraries on a university campus, one conducted in 1987 and one in 1993, that investigated how library staff reacted to the library automation process. The hypotheses that were tested are discussed, and results are compared to a similar survey conducted in 1985. (LRW)

Discusses methods of managing queues (waiting lines) to optimize the use of student computer stations in school library media centers and to make searches more efficient and effective. The three major factors in queue management are arrival interval of the patrons, service time, and number of stations. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the impact of information technology requirements on the costs of electronic libraries. Addresses key questions concerning hardware, software and network installation and upgrades and provides strategies for dealing with the needs for continuous funding and long-term financing that are essential for keeping up with the requirements of…

The Library of Congress (LC) has increasingly created digital reproductions of visual materials to enhance access to its resources. This article describes selected aspects of LC's practical experience and current practices from digital capture through interactions with users, with an emphasis on the integration of access to pictorial images online…

Reflects on implications of phases one and two in the United Kingdom's Electronic Libraries Program (eLib). Discusses the four components of the third phase which includes the merging of print and electronic resources in the hybrid library. Discusses managerial lessons learned. (AEF)

The development of the Internet and the online collections accessed by it has created major adjustments in all library functions, including collection management and budgeting. The authors share how two public libraries have come full circle in electronic collection management, beginning with early selection, followed by current weeding programs…

The imposition of fines in academic libraries for overdue books is a global phenomenon and penalties for overdue books have been levied by libraries for centuries. The study reported here surveyed students' perception of increases in fines imposed by the management of Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library in the academic year 2002/2003. 1,500 respondents…

The Follett library software system is the literary conscience of St. Francis High School. It reports on overdue books, checkout statistics, and online catalog search records. The circulation numbers tell that reading is a tough sell for today's teens. As the school's custodian of books and information, the author describes his efforts at leading…