The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is committed to bringing together museums and libraries across the country for conversations dedicated to developing a better understanding of the roles of libraries and museums as providers of public service to communities. The Future of Libraries and Museums in the 21st Century Planning…

This paper examines the relocation of Athabasca University, an open-access, distance education institution, from Edmonton to Athabasca, Alberta, Canada, and the effect of that move on the library. Factors that helped make the move successful are discussed, including the 5-year institutional planning process; a government grant for the purchase of…

This report examines the process of planning library services for off-campus students that was undertaken by the Vermont State Colleges (VSC) in 1982, and considers the implications of the plans for the system as a whole as well as for the Community College of Vermont (CCV), a non-campus, non-traditional college without a library. Following a…

Consideration of problems associated with development of national database for bibliographic control of library materials, focuses on those which "alert" individual directors, and those created by organizations and people not under immediate control. Standards, objectives, change, ownership and distribution, economic and legal issues,…

This guide to preparing the school library media center for the installation of a computer for management purposes begins by describing the situation in a DoDDS (Department of Defense Dependent School) in Germany and outlining the procedures for developing a plan of action. This plan covers the (1) project outline, project schedule, and method of…

This paper provides a brief overview of planning and implementing a project to fund library automation. It is suggested that: (1) proposal budgets should include all costs of a project, such as furniture needed for computer terminals, costs for modifying library procedures, initial supplies, or ongoing maintenance; (2) automation does not save…

This study evolved from a survey of all academic libraries in Georgia, designed to identify current online activities in the state's academic libraries, and to predict future directions and trends. The information was gathered to provide a pool of data for comparison, planning, management, and administration of online services, and to serve as a…

This essay on means by which the profession of teacher-librarianship might be strengthened, and even enhanced, highlights the mission statement and resource center programs, role of the teacher-librarian, cooperative program planning and teaching, research and study skill development, education for school librarianship, and program advocacy. (EJS)

In academic libraries, online searching services and reference departments often have to compete for a share of financial and personnel resources. This paper examines how San Jose State University Library solved the problems of shrinking budgets, space constraints, and loss of trained searchers by integrating the online search service into the…

This article relates tried, tested, and successful public relations programs in use at school library media centers. A four-step process for developing a suitable public relations program (research, planning, action, and evaluation) and programs that focus on communicating with school staff, administrators, parents, and the community are…

Since no local library can meet the information needs of the community on its own, librarians and local policymakers must look to other existing agencies and channels for support. In every locale are agencies, organizations, and governmental and social service units that daily gather, compile, and disseminate information as one of their missions.…

Discusses current issues in measuring library effectiveness, including rapid technological changes and increasing obsolescence in librarians' competencies; increased pressure for accountability; tools to help libraries become what they determine they should be rather than conforming to national standards; and how to determine the validity and…

Noting that technological developments will influence both library automation decisions and user expectations, this paper focuses on six issues involved in planning for the use of information technology in libraries: (1) perceiving the information technology needs of library users; (2) addressing their information technology needs; (3) planning to…

Suggests ways of addressing challenges faced by district library media supervisors by focusing energies on those departmental outcomes likely to make greatest difference in lives of staff and students. Taking care of self, setting and honoring priorities, working from staff development perspective, and effective skill teaching are highlighted. (8…

This paper examines "Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media" ("Guidelines"), a key document published by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) that proposes changes in school library media development in the United States and…