Discusses the Wright State University (Ohio) Library policy directive on customer service, and suggests this document as a model to follow in setting up service standards or guidelines for depository-library services. Draft-depository library public-service guidelines for government information in electronic format are appended. (JAK)

Discusses the vital role policy plays in the effective delivery of information services over the Internet, as well as the need to keep policies at a minimum so as not to impede users' creativity and imaginative powers when online. Provides four examples from community college libraries. (NB)

In 1991, the University Libraries of Northern Illinois University implemented a revised policy for renewals of library materials. Various system, staff, and patron-related concerns required the access services department to adapt to immediate demands, then to seek longterm solutions. This case study examines the initial impact of the new policy,…

This policy manual of Jacksonville State University's Houston Cole Library serves as a statement of the library's mission, goals, and objectives; an interpretive guide for library faculty, staff, and students; and informational document for library patrons concerning the library's programs and policies. The contents include the following:…

This paper investigates the need for electronic provision of information, and advises that the purpose and motivation for providing electronic resources be explored before embarking on a project to provide them. Many projects at universities and other institutes have been begun arbitrarily just because there happened to be financial resources…

Discusses issues of identifying, storing, handling, and providing access to rare books and materials in institutions without special collections departments. Suggests that although many community colleges do not collect rare materials, they may nonetheless be in possession of books that are rare and that should receive special care. (ontains four…

Discusses collection management in academic libraries in light of computer-mediated access to remote electronic databases and online resources. Topics include the library collection, ownership of versus access to information, the selection process, collection evaluation, collection development policies, materials budget, serials, and user liaison.…

This special issue contains eight papers from a conference on library collection development and networking issues. Discusses the library's role and the need for new policies; serial costs and recommendations for resource sharing; evaluation of academic periodicals; partnerships and the relationship of vendors and libraries; and models and trends…

Describes the acquisition of scientific literature by academic libraries in Malaysia. The discussion covers the impact of government policies, library acquisition policies, the selection process, acquisition of special materials, the role of gifts and exchanges, and problems with customs clearance and censorship. Progress in cooperative…

Discusses the need for libraries not only to recruit, but also to retain, diverse professional staffs. Topics include diversity as a multi-dimensional concept; creating an environment conducive to retention; ensuring equity in regard to promotion, professional development, and success; the tenure process in academic libraries; and mentoring…

The Canadian university library members of two consortial e-journal deals were surveyed t o determine how many of the corresponding print journals had been cancelled as a result of their participation in the online package purchase. The survey indicated that the number of concurrent print subscriptions held by the libraries had notably decreased.…

This British Library Research and Development Department study assesses current activities and attitudes toward quality management in library and information services (LIS) in the academic sector as well as the commercial/industrial sector. Definitions and types of benchmarking are described, and the relevance of benchmarking to LIS is evaluated.…

This annual conference, with over 25 speakers and 200 attendees, provided an opportunity for information professionals to discuss their experiences and concerns related to computer networking. The papers presented in this proceedings focus on providing network access, training network users, and incorporating networked information into library…

Examines the impact of electronic technology on libraries and scholarship. Focuses on some of the challenges of using electronic resources in research libraries, which include cost of acquiring electronic formats and the effect such expenditures have on other library services and collection development practices. Explores how electronic resources…

Provides an overview of library automation and public policy initiatives in the state of Washington. Highlights include access to government information; public library initiatives, including Internet access; access in rural areas; partnerships between libraries and government; higher education cooperation; community and technical college…