Expanding on previous research, the authors applied quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate Web usability policies, standards, and guidelines (PSGs); resources; and usability testing, including mobile testing and usability laboratories, at the academic members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Survey results indicated…

This article explores the literature that focuses on the various roles librarians and libraries play in distance education settings. Learners visit libraries either in person or via networked computing technology to ask for help with their online courses. Questions range from how to upload a document with a learning management system, to how to…

Designed to provide logical guidelines and to outline optimum conditions for the conservation of a research library collection, this "mock" policy statement can be modified to a particular library's situation. It includes principles of conservation and elements of a comprehensive conservation program, such as collection maintenance, and…

This reference service policy manual provides general guidelines to encourage reference service of the highest possible quality and to insure uniform practice. The policy refers only to reference service in the University Libraries and is intended for use in conjunction with other policies and procedures issued by the Reference Services Division.…

To gather more information on the role of the liaison in research libraries, the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Office of Management Services conducted a survey in 1992 of its academic library members. Completed surveys were returned by 49 libraries. Liaisons in both technical and public services were reported by 59 percent, while 31…

This manual is intended for use primarily by depository librarians in Wisconsin in order to help depository libraries comply with the state documents depository law. The manual opens with a description of the Wisconsin Document Depository Program. The history of the program is outlined, and the following general responsibilities and procedures for…

Analyzes Web sites of ten large research libraries in order to establish a basic understanding of how some major libraries are currently providing virtual reference services. Discusses centralization; email reference guidelines; creating a service economy; expanding hours of service; virtual users' needs; and real-time virtual reference.…

In November 1988 the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) mailed a survey to 59 of its university library members asking about their fee-based services and the impact of these services on other library development efforts. Overall, 79% of the respondents have fee-based services. In some cases, fees are applied to all users regardless of their…

There are a number of important documents that provide guidance in the consideration of library services supporting nursing programs and students at a distance. Standards are available from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and the Commission on Collegiate…

The author's focus for this column within the large universe of the public services literature is on articles which stress what is best for the user. That may mean finding out why faculty use or do not use the physical library, considering the elimination of the reference desk, beginning or enhancing a library's virtual reference services, or…

This policy statement is designed to provide guidelines that will ensure the maintenance and improvement of the collection and services of the Leon E. Bloch Law Library at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in the period 1985 to 2000. The policy sets appropriate quality goals while simultaneously providing for flexibility in alternative…

Urges the research library community, in which ownership is traded for access and competition for cooperation, to take concerted action to survive declining resources and the impact of electronic information technology. Concrete steps that can be taken toward contributing to a new world of scholarly communication are suggested. (Contains 12…

This report of the task force charged with defining and researching the issues related to access and ownership of materials at the University of Arizona library presents 23 short-and long-term recommendations in the following areas: (1) organization, including the establishment of separate staff units for access services and collection management…

The development of a checklist was the principal activity of the third part of a 3-phase study examining the potential of cooperative ventures and combination libraries for improving school and public library services in Florida. This report includes the checklist, which was designed for use by community members working with professional library…

Discusses the library standards--"Guidelines for Two-Year College Learning Resources Programs"--as approved in 1972 by three national associations, highlighting addition of quantitative standards in 1979, review in 1981, utilization for research studies, role in accreditation process, and use for statewide planning. A 28-item…