Discusses the significance for libraries of privacy concerns involved with geographic information system (GIS) technology. Argues that librarians need to be aware of federal and state efforts to address privacy issues and monitor developments in government information policy. (AEF)

This article presents case studies of the social shaping of the national union catalog (NUC) in seven countries (four in Central and Eastern Europe, two in the Baltic region, and South Africa). The purpose is to illustrate how technology developments do not occur independently of their social context but rather are co-constituted by the…

The State of Mississippi authorized the construction of additions to three of the state's academic libraries. At the University of Southern Mississippi, planning for an addition raised the question of assignable study space. Lockable individual study rooms (carrels) and group study rooms were planned, and questions of how to assign them and rules…

The Collection Analysis Project (CAP) was undertaken in response to one of the major recommendations of the University at Stony Brook Libraries' strategic plan. It is the first step in promoting the necessary change to bring collection management and development into conformity with accepted professional practice, and make it more responsive to…

Addresses issues of electronic publishing from an archival perspective, including authentication, mutability, reformatting, preservation, editorial and administrative policies, costs, the role of librarians and archivists, technical procedures, access and the rights of privacy and freedom of information, and standards. (AEF)

The case of an indigent library patron recovering a judgment against a public library is used as a backdrop for discussing patron behavior policies in the public library. Highlights include First Amendment rights, the public library as an expressive forum, government rules, policy lessons from the case, and acceptable policies. (AEF)

This presentation investigates the various kinds of services that are needed in school library systems. It relates to the leadership style and organizational needs for small, medium, and large systems at district, regional, or state levels. The content addresses some of the components of the print versions of school library system handbooks and…

Discusses the evolving role of academic libraries in providing products and services to distance learners. Guided by accreditation standards, libraries are examining how well their services satisfy the unique needs of these students. Gives examples of library policies and procedures, highlights Internet significance, and discusses future trends in…

Compares the use of a telefacsimile network and the Internet-based software, Ariel, for interlibrary loan document delivery in the Health Sciences Libraries Consortium. Topics discussed include document processing efficiency, impact of the Ariel workstations on interlibrary loan procedures, interlibrary loan policies, and possible prototype…

This is the fourth in a series of reports evaluating the Public Library Statistics (PLS) program, an annual census of public libraries in the United States. The census includes, in addition to a full count of public libraries and their outlets, a variety of statistics about the services provided by and, the financial condition and the staffing…

This paper discusses the legal obligations owed by librarians to the users of their facilities, focusing on the viewing of pornography on the Internet in the public library. The meanings commonly ascribed to the word censorship are presented. Australian federal law that governs the classification of films, videos, computer games, and publications…

As electronic objects challenge categorical distinctions central to library organization, efforts are being made to integrate these hybrids and new forms into traditional library systems and to recreate the stability of the print environment. Explores conceptual and theoretical issues raised by the proliferation of electronic objects and suggests…

How do academic libraries set about creating a body of knowledge and begin to convert traditional print collections to a digital format in order to satisfy what today's researchers want? This article examines previous methods of selection and collection building, and applies those supporting principles to today's collection-building efforts for…

This paper discusses issues for libraries related to privacy in the digital environment. The first section defines the meaning of privacy. The second section discusses the impact of technology and the use of technology, including principles issued by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1973 that still provide a basis for…

Library literature from the late 19th century to the present offers numerous guides to materials selection. Yet, collection development policies and lists of selection criteria are inadequate for humanities electronic texts. Libraries, humanities disciplines, and electronic texts are too complex for any rigid approach to acquisition. To meet goals…