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The authors describe how they use online social networks in creating learning communities with their library staff, library users and their fellow librarians. They learn library management strategies from the experiences of other librarians as described by library-focused websites. They create training modules with assistance from library professionals using social media networks.

Presents the experiences of the author in drafting policies for computer use in a library. Efforts of the author and library staff to find a balance between freedom and the protection of library patrons; Training of the staff in the procedures; Rights of library patrons; Effect of the policy on the number of complaints received by the library.

Discusses the role of technology in the library industry and its effect on librarians. Experiences of the authors at Novi Public Library in Michigan; Role of librarians in providing patrons with access to technology; Efforts of librarians to train each other to use various technologies; Outlook for the future of libraries.

The author reflects on the need of information professionals to respect the skill levels of all their users and to make sure none are left behind. He comments on the challenges faced by librarians in providing services for library users on the road. He discusses a three-tiered strategy to analyze the behavior of digital library users.

This article discusses the organization of digital materials in libraries. Library collections often include materials that cannot he placed on shelves either because they are digitized versions of primary sources or because they exist only in electronic form and do not have physical counterparts. These digital materials need to be organized and managed just as physical materials do, not only so librarians can handle the details of licensing, subscriptions, rights management, and other acquisitions issues, but also so patrons can retrieve them just as easily as if they were housed on library shelves. There are several research projects that were building solutions for efficient digital asset management. One such project was the WGBH Digital Asset Management Initiative. The home page for the project provides a link to information on the Sun Microsystems/WGBH iForce Center for Digital Asset Management. It serves as a worldwide reference for digital asset management as well as an executive briefing center and a demonstration site. Another interesting project is the Digital Asset Management Initiative. Its Digital Asset Management System Living Lab uses hardware and software to provide digital asset management in support of research and instruction on the campus.

This article provides information about RSS for and its use in reaching library users in remote areas. For those not familiar with the term, the best place to start is with a definition. Webopedia defines RSS as an acronym for either RDF Site Summary or Rich Site Summary, and states it is an XML format for distributing syndicated content such as news or events listings. Wikipedia, on the other hand, defines it as an acronym for Really Simple Syndication, an XML family of communication standards. There are libraries that are using RSS to deliver content, and perhaps the best way to learn about some of the possible applications is to see how these pioneering libraries are using RSS feeds. Current uses of RSS feeds, as compiled by librarian Gerry McKiernan, include announcements, cataloging, databases, instruction, Internet resources guides, new books, new journal issues, new media, news, reference services, table of contents. Making the library readily accessible from outside its walls is not just a way to provide additional convenience. Now the library can provide services to users who are both near and far. Utilizing RSS feeds may be one way to extend service to remote patrons, and librarians should consider whether this technology has a place in their array of services.

Focuses on the relevance of a librarian's profession. Impact of technology on the profession; Misconceptions about library patrons; Influence of library technology.

Presents the opinion of the author about roving reference and how librarians can use wireless technology to boost the synergy between digital collections and still-relevant print collections. Opinion that librarians need to introduce wireless reference in library reading rooms; Ideas for how librarians can use wireless networks to boost public service; Advice for updating Web pages; Suggestion that librarians approach patrons instead of waiting for patrons to approach; Benefits of wireless reference in stacks; Mobile training; Benefits of personal digital assistants.

Discusses the testing of the usability of library computer systems. Usability toolbox that is a method of testing systems; Librarians that participate in the design of their systems that increases their usability; Focus groups that can be used to test library systems; Interviews with individual library patrons who test the usability of the system; Field studies that can be used in the last stages of testing a library system; Other suggestions for testing the usability of library systems.

Presents the experiences of the author as a librarian and a writer for this magazine. Work of the author in writing library policies; Importance of policies to libraries; Role of American Library Association guidelines in many library policies; Mention of Internet access for library users, including children; Issue of privacy for users.

Presents the experiences of the author as a librarian and discusses the question of whether technology defines the roles of librarians. Idea that technology gives librarians tools to better serve patrons; Outlook for the future of the library industry.

Offers suggestions for training patrons of libraries to use information technologies. How the Internet has complicated the methods used to train patrons; Examples of several Web sites which offer instructions for using the Internet, including sites from Ziff-Davis, Inc. and Freeskills; Opinion that librarians need to be educated about the Internet.

The author offers tips for librarians on how to solve technology-related problems in the library. She stresses that librarians should go beyond teaching patrons how to read and send electronic mail (email) and demonstrate to them how to manage such. She recommends Web sites including Google Product Search and CarRentals.com for use in online shopping. She adds that to encourage patrons to use online maps, librarians may opt to show them a satellite view of their house via the internet.

The article discusses tips for librarians on publishing subject guides, research guides or study guides. First tip is to make web-based subject guide interesting to library users by including RSS feeds and chat widget. It is also recommended to make frequent posts, inclusive of resources on the Internet.

Suggests the need of librarians to study how patrons think and adjust accordingly. Importance of thinking similarly with librarians in terms of organizing; Efforts to address computer search methods.

This article explains how to create guest users in Horizon 8.0. Horizon 8.0 will have the functionality to allow librarians to issue anonymous, cash-based cards to patrons. Libraries can have a number of different types of guest users, depending on whether the guests want to be completely anonymous or whether they just need temporary privileges. To set up guest users, first, edit the library's location record to permit guest users. Next, create a new loan type for guest users. Then, if librarians want overall statistics about anonymous use, they can create a new user statistical class and link it to the loan type. Using item types and the loan type, librarians can now assign privileges. They will need to determine whether to require a deposit and what other limits may apply. Librarians can now start issuing and using guest cards at their library.