This new column discusses the need for gaining administrative and academic support for library instruction programs to improve "library literacy," i.e., the learning of the basic skills for finding information, and summarizes the findings of a five-year experiment at the University of Colorado to improve/increase faculty and student…

This self-study--part of a series of studies conducted at Michigan State University Libraries--was designed to elicit information regarding non-use of the library by members of the academic community. A telephone survey questionnaire was administered to a stratified systematic sample of students and faculty members, and 1,269 students and 211…

This paper outlines the procedures for a study that will focus on the information needs of the 12 Department of Sociology faculty members at Ball State University. By comparing needs of the sociology department with current holdings in the library, deficiencies in monograph and serial holdings are expected to be identified. Needs are defined here…

Although there have been some arguments against librarians doing research, a growing body of literature finds significant benefits in their research and publication, both for themselves and for their libraries. These include job advancement, personal recognition, improved relationships with teaching faculty, increased responsiveness to change, and…

This collection of six papers and comments from a workshop focuses on three aspects of collection development--budget implications, communication with faculty, and written policies. Points of view are expressed by speakers from small- and medium-sized academic, private, and public libraries in Michigan. The first paper discusses the implication of…

This essay addresses the serious problem for bibliographic instruction programs posed by teaching faculty who possess few skills in library research. Discussion covers faculty and student experience with bibliographic research, the bookish professor and other myths, difficulties of library instruction, and implications for future planning.…

The research library is the focus of a scholarly communication system in crisis. Costs, volume of information, and technological advancement have brought changes that significantly challenge the current library structure. However, technology is not the most important variable; the culture and lifestyle of faculty and students must adapt also. (MSE)

This paper explores issues related to the degree to which weight and emphasis are given in higher education hiring and promotion practices to research versus teaching and service. In particular it examines the special problems posed by research demands in traditionally non-research universities. Noting that one of the most significant…