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The article discusses geographic information systems (GIS) services in libraries. During the 1990's, librarians developed and researched information on how to further incorporate GIS in libraries. While librarians have educated themselves in GIS services, the amount of literature available in libraries remains scarce. The distribution of geospatial data to library users is contingent on various factors that include restrictions, size, and format. Building relationships with data producers can help librarians' further implement GIS services and make them readily available.

Although the majority of joint use libraries in educational establishments provide at least an adequate level of service for their school, college, or university users, the standard of service they provide for members of the public is more questionable in many cases. This article considers the benefits and problems of joint use libraries from the perspective of their public users, providing examples from the UK and elsewhere to demonstrate how these occur in practice. A number of success factors are identified that need to be considered if a joint use library is to be successful as a community library, perhaps the most important of these being the need to involve the local community in the development of the library from its earliest stage. Gaining the support and active involvement of the local community is crucial; only then can the true benefits of joint use libraries, as locations for intergenerational activity and lifelong learning, be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

THE CHANGING INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT and the changing expectations and demands of library users are forcing libraries to reassess their role in the digital age. Amidst this change there is a fundamental constant-the need for access to high-quality research materials. Success in the new environment will require learning much more than we now know about the use of digital resources, their preservation, and the training needed for operating the library of the future. This article examines three essential questions and suggests areas for research in each: 1. How are digital resource users best served: What resources will they want? How will they want to use them? And, what services will most enhance use? 2. What elements are required for a coherent preservation strategy covering resources both digital and traditional? 3. What kinds of education will "librarians" of the future need? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

THIS PAPER DEALS WITH FOUR SIGNIFICANT UNANSWERED QUESTIONS related to children's and young adult services in public libraries: 1. How have public library services to children and young adults developed over time? 2. How and why do young people use public libraries? 3. How can we evaluate the effectiveness of public library service for young people? 4. Why should policymakers fund public library services for children and young adults? After reviewing the existing knowledge base that can serve as scaffolding for the needed research, the author suggests strategies for refining and implementing this research agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which examined a user-based relevance criteria in information services and systems in libraries. Background on the concept of relevance; Methodology; Results of the study.

Provides information on a study which examined user needs, satisfaction, and performance of the University of Washington Libraries in Seattle. Details on library user surveys; Methodology and design of the user survey; Results of the survey.

Provides information on a study which examined the perception of users in North America on library service quality using the LibQUAL+ instrument. Problem statement; Methodology; Participants in the study; Role of the library Web page; Conclusion.

Discusses how a philosophical analysis of the moral value of information can help librarians rethink some aspects of the professional values especially their commitment to neutrality. Role of information in an individual's and community's efforts to lead a productive life; Behaviors in library patron interaction; Discussion of the values in the use of technology.