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The COVID-19 pandemic, which hit academic libraries in the United States during the spring semester of 2020, forced librarians and staff to redouble their efforts to reach out to users in light of newly enforced safety measures such as building closures, quarantine periods, enforced social distancing, etc. This article describes three services—one adapted, one newly developed, and one a collaboration across several units on campus—to allow users to continue receiving the assistance and the materials they needed despite the obstacles inherent to the pandemic. Unexpectedly, these changes also helped streamline processes in a post-pandemic academic library environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every U.S. state and the District of Columbia has a law on the books that protects a library borrower's privacy, both an ethical and legal obligation of the library. In addition, FERPA further restricts access to users’ records. Getting the message across to staff can be a challenge, especially if you employ students or volunteers who may not share your strongly held sense of professional responsibility or nuanced appreciation. Using scenarios, or minicase studies, based on real-life experiences to generate discussion and expand the scope of their understanding can be a very effective way to transmit the message. This article outlines the method used at Penn State University Libraries to instruct frontline staff on policy, law, and the ethics of protecting the confidentiality and privacy of library users. Pedagogy of case study is discussed. Advice on designing a training session and examples are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Too frequently, and often too late, academic librarians learn of patron experiences involving problem patrons, misdemeanor criminal activity, or poorly secured areas. Regrettably, these experiences can irrevocably diminish perceptions of access to the vibrant learning spaces and services offered by our institutions. This article assesses the current state of security personnel staffing and patron security issues at 25 public, four-year universities in two southeastern states. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article presents the results of a survey on the impact of the economic recession on access services of libraries in the U.S. in 2009. The survey received over 100 responses. It enumerated the economic problems that affected libraries, including the ability to purchase requested materials, reduction of hours and reduction of services. It also identified the positive impact of the recession on library services, including higher circulation as patrons use free resources and increased use of interlibrary loans (ILL).

The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) serves a dispersed patron base, and its library has developed, over time, a circulation system for distributing physical research materials to its patrons throughout the United States. This article discusses the development of this system and its associated interface/database management system which links the disparate databases necessary for the processing and shipping of materials. Using the Object Oriented Programming language (OOP) Java, Unified Modeling Language (UML) and interface design techniques, a project team redesigned workflows, created a federated interface that is easy to use and streamlined the distance education circulation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides an overview of the various products available for library patrons with blindness or visual impairments. To provide some insight into the status of library services for patrons with blindness, a sample of American universities that are recognized for their programs for students with visual impairments was surveyed to discern which assistive technology products are available in their libraries. The results of the study are analyzed and conclusions are offered. doi:10.1300/J204v04n01_02 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]