People see challenges to libraries in funding, in ebooks, and in the internet. However, in this information-rich age, librarians' roles are even more important. They are information experts. They know how to think about the changing information environment, and they know the impact--both positive and negative--it can have on people whose jobs…

Describes results of a survey of librarians conducted using the Internet, regarding their attitudes toward electronic mail and networking. Topics addressed include software; the effect on job descriptions; privacy issues; use in academic libraries; navigation problems; discussion groups; and perceived value. A sidebar discusses network etiquette.…

Reports on results of an exploratory study of perceptions of collections by librarians in an academic library that provides both traditional and networked information services. Five librarians from a Midwestern university library were interviewed. Findings indicated an uncertainty about the virtual world in two particular areas: collection and…

Discussion of reference librarians in higher education focuses on experiences at the University of Southern California. Topics include reference costs and time demands; reorganization and cutting costs; merging computer departments with libraries; Internet advantages, including the Internet Public Library; attitudes and creativity of librarians;…

A survey of academic librarians in New York State (n=139) regarding their attitudes toward the Internet as a reference tool creating user and nonuser profiles incorporating gender, age, experience, access, and training. Researchers examined factors contributing to successful Internet use and to nonuse and made recommendations on how to integrate…