Examines why librarians join professional associations. Although a literature review finds little research on the topic, the author's survey concludes that many factors influence decisions. Questions focus on which library associations respondents belong to; factors influencing decisions to join; reasons for not belonging; and reasons for dropping…

Presents information on law enforcement relating to library crimes. Discusses jurisdiction, reporting a loss, law enforcement response, law enforcement's expectations, suspects, publicity, the aftermath, and testimony in court. (AEF)

Reports findings of a survey of 48 undergraduate students regarding their perceptions of academic librarians and discusses ideas for addressing existing misconceptions. Highlights include perceptions concerning librarians' education; librarians' skills, knowledge, and expertise; librarians versus clerical workers; and librarians' attitudes toward…

A survey of long-term academic librarians at English language Canadian universities attempts to determine which of four factors has the strongest influence over long-term careers: career commitment, organizational commitment, personal factors, or economic factors. Findings show career commitments far outweigh the other three factors, proving, in…

Willingness to return to the same librarian avoids the limitations associated with using accuracy as a primary measure of success. Based on a case study, factors associated with the successful reference interaction are examined. Problems with accuracy as a success measure, staff activity upon approach, interpersonal skills, and ability to…

Examines the neglect of library support staff within the context of six areas of library management: physical facilities; effective and efficient work stations; supplies; attitude toward human resources; communication and information; and performance evaluation and feedback. Graphs present data on expenditures in several areas, and suggestions for…

As the position of bibliographic instruction within academic libraries continues to be more and more important, the question still remains as to why so many good bibliographic instruction librarians suffer from emotional "blahs" and eventual burnout. The answer does not lie in character flaws of the librarians, nor simply in an ever-increasing…

In 1988, the Board of Directors of the Special Libraries Association provided funding to a task force to gather data which would determine how certain segments of society perceive librarians, how librarians view themselves and their colleagues, and to provide recommendations for addressing the issue of image. The task force project consisted of…

Discussion of customer service and Total Quality Management in academic libraries highlights selected customer-service training programs and popular customer-service videos. Topics discussed include utilizing campus resources; staff attitudes; commitment of administrators; and service training issues for academic library managers. (22 references)…

This study describes regional depository institutions, the organization of their document collections, the staffing of their documents departments, and factors relevant to their providing access to electronic government information. Surveys were sent to 53 regional depository libraries in March 1995. Forty-one of the 53 libraries responded (77%…

A "do-it-yourself" library move may produce significant changes in the established patterns of personnel organization and behavior of the library staff. However, most previously published work on the topic of moving a library collection concentrates on procedural aspects of a move. This study recounts and analyzes the impact of such a…

Discusses the state of outsourcing in American libraries. Highlights include objectives (to reduce cost, increase the quality of service, and achieve a better price/performance objective); operations that can be outsourced; pros and cons; changes in the way library personnel view their work; outsourcing in special, public, academic, and federal…

Emphasizing that behavior and attitude are what mark a professional, the status and impressions of library support personnel are examined. Focuses on the experiences of an MLS holder in a nonprofessional academic library position. Discusses treatment by librarians and other support staff and emerging communication among support personnel. (AEF)

Examines some of the factors affecting the participation of librarians in professional development activities. Reference librarians working in large urban public libraries in Ontario were surveyed. Data on participation in formal and informal learning activities, together with information about their perceptions of their libraries' environment…

Describes how library administrators can create awareness of the disabled as capable staff and patrons and help staff develop positive attitudes toward the disabled. Suggestions include use of existing programs to promote awareness; sensitivity training; use of appropriate terminology for the disabled; and the need for ongoing efforts. (three…