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This article updates a previous article published in 1992 that described the role of the access services manager in policy formation. Since that time, the access services department and mission has matured and evolved to a prominent position within the library organization. Technological changes and innovation in the marketplace of wired and wireless electronic products that provide access to the Internet pushed libraries to respond to higher user expectations. The role of the access services manager expanded to encompass management of many of these technology-driven services. This article discusses the multiple roles of the access services manager in the virtual environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author contends that the Internet is not a library, nor must it be mistaken for one, despite its proven utility and versatility. He argues that a library is a place where knowledge is organized based on established principles so that it becomes serviceable to its users, and the Internet is a tool that supports the library in providing such organization. The author also discusses the impact of the Internet on students, the drawbacks of using the Internet as an information resource and the role of librarians in providing information.

The article presents the challenges in the implementation and administration of interlibrary loans. It states that most researchers and library users ignore the use of indexes and another problem encountered is the case of incomplete bibliographical citations. Library users also keep on sending interlibrary loan request even if the material requested is already available in the library. Patrons also complain of requiring them to pick-up the item they ordered online. It also mentions the problem to be encountered when publishers raise their copyright fees in the future.

Today's sophisticated circulation services and circulation policies, together with the ease of disseminating data in the Information Era, pose challenges to libraries. Library users are expected to be informed in advance of the policies they are supposed to observe when using the circulation services, instead of being told after the occurrence of an incident that they have not followed the policies and thus need to bear the consequences. User education can no longer be restricted to bibliographic instruction in its traditional sense but should cover circulation policies as well. User education on circulation policies needs to be concerted, well planned, and innovative. Some approaches to user education on circulation policies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For as long as libraries have charged fines for books returned after their due dates, this familiar practice has excited comment and controversy. Fines are thought by many to deter patrons from keeping materials too long. However, others believe there is little persuasive evidence that lines are more effective at minimizing overdues than are reminder notices. Further, some critics contend charging fines is unethical, especially in public or school libraries, and the meager results are not worth the harmful public relations fines incur. The authors experimented with an alternative approach using positive reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article features the library service, self-checkout. Self-checkout systems are beginning to be integrated along most of libraries' automation systems. The most common self-check out systems utilized in libraries are those with radio frequency identification systems because library users find it easy to use. The system is compose of an electromagnetic desensitizer, user instruction screen and a barcode reader. Suggestions regarding implementation of self-checkout systems in libraries includes analysis of reasons in adopting the system, workstation locations, staff impacts and cost of equipments.