This paper looks at how well school library media programs are realizing the mission, objectives, and challenges set by "Information Power," the national guidelines created by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Association for Educational Communication and Technology (AECT). Teacher-librarians are struggling to…

Provides an overview of research conducted at Victoria University of Wellington regarding differing perceptions and expectations of user communities and librarians related to the usability of digital services. Considers access to services, currency of information on the Web site, the online public access catalog, databases, electronic journals,…

Reports the results of a survey of librarian job satisfaction that covered librarians' perceptions of their jobs, compensation and benefits, advancement opportunities, and technological challenges. Statistics on average salaries, benefits, salaries by gender, advancement opportunities, and staff cuts are presented by library type. Gender…

This article reviews studies of school library media collections which address issues related to collection evaluation, networking, collection mapping, student preferences, and special collections. A summary of practical implications of the research findings and a proposed research agenda are appended. (35 references) (SD)

Describes a needs assessment conducted at Oregon State University libraries to guide the design, content, and development of a natural resources digital library. Highlights include user profile; identification of questions; face-to-face interviews; workshops with users; current sources for relevant information; users' information needs; ability to…

A study was made of the book selection procedures and collections in the area of fourth grade science (astronomy and earth science) in 12 elementary schools in two Southwestern school districts. The six schools in District 2 utilized a local buying list in their acquisitions, those in District 1 did not. The hypothesis to be tested was that as…

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…

Describes a study that observed undergraduates as they searched bibliographic databases on a CD-ROM local area network. Topics include related research, information needs, evolution of search topics, database selection, search strategies, relevance judgments, CD-ROM interfaces, and library instruction. (Author/LRW)

Discusses and compares the incorporation of technology by larger public libraries in Canada and the United States. Technology mentioned includes online public access catalogs; remote and local online database searching; microcomputers and software for public use; and fax, voice mail, and Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf and Teletype writer…

Reports on a study of library skills retention which showed that the inclusion of library exercises and hands-on training in undergraduate and graduate bibliographic instruction programs influences education students' retention of subject matter. Statistics are given for each item on a 24-question pre- and posttest; a copy of the test is appended.…

This abstract of a report from a study commissioned by the Millbrook Press discusses changes in school library media centers based on interviews with librarians and administrators. Topics discussed include student enrollments, budgets, library staffing, utilization of the librarian, curriculum planning, administration attitudes, book collections,…

Describes the HyperCard Library Instruction Project (CLIP) and the research upon which it is based. Findings of research of HyperCard instruction with secondary students and a description of ways to use HyperCard instruction are presented. A sidebar article describes the California-based CLIP program and the HyperCard modules the organization is…

A three-year study at the University of Alabama compared a traditional lecture method for teaching library research skills with a course-integrated, computer-enhanced approach by assessing each method's impact on the quality of bibliographies from engineering students' term papers. In four of the five semesters, no significant differences were…

Describes a method of cost-per-use analysis for individual journal articles to facilitate journal selection, deselection, and retention decisions. Conducted in a biotechnology library, the study was based on 491 users who requested more than 48,000 article photocopies over 3 years. Information on user behavior and journal use patterns is provided.…

Describes a quasi-experimental study at Western Kentucky University that compared a traditional required, for-credit class in library skills with a Web-based course. Discusses skills level, satisfaction, and demographics, and includes a copy of the student survey used. (LRW)