This set of collection development guidelines is the response of an academic library to the question of when and where it is most advantageous to provide access to information through resource sharing in lieu of ownership. A Collection Development Committee, appointed by the dean of the university and guided by a self-study format provided by the…

This System and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) flyer/kit is based on two research efforts: a 1986 SPEC survey on the collection and use of management statistics related to reference services, and a 1987 supplemental survey on qualitative measures of reference services. A brief introduction describes the survey and discusses the evaluation of…

Reports the results of a survey which examined the response of academic libraries to the needs of deaf students in terms of reference services, staff interaction with students, bibliographic instruction, formal policies, and outreach programs. Several recommendations to improve library services to deaf students are presented. The questionnaire is…

Documentation supplied in this kit demonstrates how research libraries provide services to visiting scholars as distinguished from other categories of external user. A "visiting scholar" is most often defined as a faculty member affiliated with an institution of higher education but the term may also include independent scholars and persons…

Reports the rationale, design, implementation, and results of an examination of the impact of online subject catalogs on users by comparing their behaviors before and after catalog installation. Evaluation criteria included volume of use, types of searches, use of other catalogs, search time, user satisfaction, and need for assistance. (CLB)

For this kit, 106 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries were surveyed concerning: (1) current administration/organization; (2) evaluation; (3) patron relations; (4) services; and (5) the impact of online searching on collections. Responses were received from 83 libraries, many of which contributed sample materials. Analyses of…

This 5-year strategic plan for the Minot State University's Memorial Library includes: (1) a chart showing the organization of the Minot State University Institutional Planning and Leadership Organization and committee members; (2) a profile of the community served by the library; (3) an assessment of the library's current performance from the…

Describes the methodology and findings of a study that examined the reasons that people use academic libraries and the relationship between library use, library instruction, and user success. The conclusions identify library services and physical facilities that may increase user satisfaction. (Author/CLB)

For this kit, 119 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries were surveyed to identify: (1) the practices in the area of information desks; (2) information desk staffing; (3) information desk functions; and (4) their relation to the other service points within the particular library. Responses were received from 87 libraries, some…

Describes an instrument designed to assess the reference outcome in terms of patron report of success in finding what was wanted, rather than overall satisfaction. The results of a library survey which tested the reliability of this instrument and compared it with unobtrusive observation are reported. (Author/CLB)

Describes an exchange program between academic libraries in Sichuan Province and Washington State University, and discusses the Chinese approach to academic librarianship in the areas of management and personnel, access and circulation, automation, reference services, collection development and censorship, and library facilities. (CLB)

The vast resources of the Internet are increasingly available to administrators, school library media specialists, and classroom teachers. This updated digest lists various information resources available to K-12 educators over the Internet. Topics include: guides to Internet resources; lesson plans; keypals and pen pals; acceptable use policies;…

Reports findings of a Statistics Task Force investigation at New York University's Bobst Library, which reviewed the collection and publication of statistics and data related to library reference and information services and use of resources, and developed a framework for inclusions, definitions, procedures, and policies for data collection and…

It is estimated that one in every five people in the United States has problems performing daily activities without help, perhaps due to the aging of the population and to more and more children surviving severe birth defects. The importance of library services to the disabled cannot be overestimated; they have the same information needs as any…

This directory is the fourth in an annual series of Internet guides for educators, librarians, and school administrators, and provides tips on access to, as well as addresses for, online resources that support and enrich the K-12 curriculum and supplement the school library core collection. Sites that help educators develop professionally are also…