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This paper reports on a study on delinquent acts in three academic libraries in northern Ghana. A survey method was used for the study and a questionnaire was used to collect data. The study population consisted of staff in the Reader Service Sections of the three libraries. The study found that failure to observe library regulations, keeping overdue materials, eating in the library, littering, reserving seats unjustifiably, and hiding of books for the purpose of monopoly are examples of delinquent acts practiced by library users. According to the participants, the main reasons for delinquent acts are inadequate orientation to users, insufficient copies of books, and indiscipline among library users. The respondents further reported that these actions led to a reduction in library resources and low patronage. To curb deviant behaviors in libraries, the study recommends the adoption of pragmatic approaches including massive orientation for users, imbibing positive library culture that fosters respect, bolstering commitment and cooperation among library users and the staff, increasing library budgets as well as finding more creative ways of acquiring more copies of books, such as using Open Educational Resources (OERs), belonging to consortia and building and/or enhancing existing Institutional Repositories (IR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a 2-year study on how quickly Texas library staff members greeted a library patron after eye contact. Results from 140 library visits found a mean of nearly 4 min, but a mean of 9 s after removing outliers. The study also calculated the perceived customer value by measuring the service, quality, image, and price of the customer service experience. Findings suggest that each patron/staff interaction may alter a patron's perceived Return on Investment (ROI). Given libraries are primarily supported by tax dollars, poor patron service experiences may impact the perceived values of library programs and services, jeopardizing future funding. The article highlights the importance for libraries to retain satisfied employees and build trust within their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rise in numbers of people experiencing homelessness in our cities, towns and regions, public libraries are seeing an increase in visits from members of this community. Public library staff are increasingly required to assist and work with people experiencing homelessness, often with little training and without the guidance of policy documents to advise them. This article reports on a survey of Australian public library staff who were asked about their experiences in, and attitudes toward working with this community. The article finds public library staff are frequently working with people experiencing homelessness. Although library staff largely believe working with this community is part of their role, they also report feeling unsafe at work, and a belief that the presence of people experiencing homelessness in libraries can be detrimental to other library users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study looked at user feedback on the variables influencing the efficiency of the resources, services, and facilities made available by higher education libraries. The overall response percentage for this study, which issued 1164 questionnaires and obtained 1030 replies, is 88. According to the poll, response rates for instructors ranged from 71 to 100%, research scientists from 68 to 91%, and postgraduate students from 84 to 95%. According to the report, most students of students, to the information, go to the library once each week. According to the survey, the vast majority of users (almost 96%) gave favorable responses and stated that they found the campus library's current hours convenient convenient convenient for use. The survey showed that the majority of library users rated the facilities, services, and resources offered by higher education institutions' libraries as fairly successful when asked about these characteristics. The research advised library staff to proactively contact proactive in their contacts with library users and help them discover practical answers to information-related problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2016, UOW Library staff have been engaged in developing a culture of agility, strong digital literacy, and experimental exploration as part of the Future-Ready Library and the Thriving Digital Library strategies. This culture enabled the trial and implementation of a proactive chat widget at University of Wollongong Library prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative and quantitative data show how valuable proactive chat was to the students and staff at UOW during a period of high uncertainty. Pro-active chat achieved the goal of equitable provision of resources to library users at a time when visitor and travel rules restricted physical access to UOW Library buildings and on-site staff. The pandemic has been declared over, however, UOW Library continues to utilise proactive chat and to build upon and expand its functionality. The lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that to withstand and succeed in the face of continued change to the provision of services in the GLAM sector, the attributes of agility and flexibility as well as strong and ongoing growth in digital literacy skills are vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article follows up on two previously published studies regarding the incorporation of student feedback amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It builds on the model of embracing user experience, focusing on how library employees and patrons felt about the health safety protocols in place during Fall 2021. Analyzing both surveys from employees and patrons, the findings indicated that both groups felt safe in the library. This article recommends that when library decision-makers are in doubt about policies and practices, they should consult with the groups directly affected, and demonstrates the importance of ensuring stakeholders feel heard and can contribute to decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While early research on library social work has described the broad role of social workers and included some aspects of crisis response, no study has given an in-depth explanation of how social workers are changing libraries' response to crisis with patrons experiencing homelessness. This embedded multiple-case study across three U.S. urban libraries includes the perspectives of 107 unique participants across six broad roles - patrons experiencing homelessness, library police/security, front-facing staff, social workers, branch managers and chief executive officers. With 46 in-depth Zoom interviews and 91 Qualtrics surveys, this study provides extensive qualitative support that library social workers are perceived to reduce libraries' reliance on law enforcement to handle crises with patrons experiencing homelessness. Three key themes of how social workers influenced libraries' responses were found: being an option, running interference and buffering. In addition, a comingled rival was identified: the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This column article discusses the state of people with disabilities who work in libraries in conjunction with the Covid pandemic, and the return to working on site. Also discussed is how accessibility changed in libraries because of the pandemic and the shut downs that occurred before vaccination. This article asks administrators to consider several issues including the difference between compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and accessibility, compassionate care for library employees and patrons, boundary setting, and embracing change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a community hub, libraries and their patrons were impacted by the social distancing, closures, and health-related restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored one library system's changing needs during the pandemic, both from the patrons' point of view as well as from the perspective of library staff. A number of themes are identified, which can assist library administrators with adjusting to the needs of their constituents post-pandemic and inform future resource planning in library systems. Implications and limitations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today libraries stand as the most inclusive institution in US society, but their workforces remain unaligned with the wide-ranging domestic demographic. With 83% of librarians identifying as white in 2020, this institution requires cultural reconstruction to enable its information literacy goals. As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts have been unsuccessful over the years in libraries, this report surveys efforts in industries with more diverse workers and adapts them for implementation in library settings. Recruitment, retainment, and inclusion strategies in corporate, STEM, and healthcare environments are reviewed to identify successful options as starting points for library planners. Practical adaptations are provided as more feasible options for library budgets and personnel volumes. As libraries were founded and transformed to serve the varying needs of all patrons, incorporating these DEI tools into planning strategies is imperative to diversify library labor forces and eliminate barriers to information literacy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the gap between decreased budgetary allocation and the need to sustain free and improved quality public library services continues to increase, librarians are expected to think more innovatively about how to bridge this gap while ensuring the notion of free public library services is not compromised. This study aimed to investigate revenue mobilization and the sustainability of free public library services in Ghana. The study adopts a multiple case study approach, exploiting the advantages of the use of a combination of varied data collection techniques using 3 Regional Public libraries in Ghana to enhance representativeness. The data was collected from some major stakeholders, including Head Librarians, library staff and patrons of public libraries using questionnaires and qualitative interview sessions. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed in selecting respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and thematic analysis were deployed as analytical tools to examine the data. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers conclude that the challenge is in tracking down the elusive mix of fee-based services that deliver more than they take away. We therefore, admonish that those who still preach against fee-based services on moral grounds accept the reality that seeking alternative funding (beyond government's subventions) to sustain public library services has become a Hobson's choice to most public librarians. Recommendations are also proffered in mitigating the present challenges affecting service delivery in public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

User services are often seen as the public-facing work of a library. Yet, all aspects of a library are to provide service to users, including the back-of-the-house work of technical services or collections departments. When done with a user focus this behind-the-scenes work, while often imperceptible, should be considered a public service. Doing so allows back-of-the-house library staff to view their work more holistically and enables deeper collaboration across teams. By creating a service model where all aspects of the library serve the user, libraries can provide a strong user experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the paper was to consider the current experience of metric evaluations of serial publications carried out by employees of academic libraries and to develop recommendations for conducting such evaluations. To achieve this objective, relevant publications were reviewed and the relevant experience of the Scientific Library of the Belarusian National Technical University was summarized. Two trends of such evaluations were analyzed, viz. both evaluation for the purpose of improving library collections or information services for library users and evaluation for the purpose of making managerial decisions, assessing the scientific performance of the university, research organization or their units. As for the first trend, the viewpoint that this area of research has lost its relevance has been refuted. Using for evaluation such indicators as disciplinary impact factor and disciplinary susceptibility factor (which is used for the selection of those non-specialized serial publications that cite specialized journals—not are cited by them; herewith the citing activity of an average article from the citing non-specialized serial is calculated) is considered. As for the second trend, the paper demonstrates the important role of metric evaluation of serial publications in which employees of universities and research organizations have published as well as of those serials that are published by academic organizations under analysis in the assessment of universities and research organizations themselves. The approaches to such evaluation, its examples and the experience of the Scientific Library of the Belarusian National Technical University in evaluating Belarusian journals indexed by the Emerging Sources Citation Index™ are considered. The issue of improving the scholarly communication of employees of the university or research organization using the results of metric studies of serial publications is considered as well. Recommendations are given on the use of a number of citation indicators for serial publications evaluations by academic library employees including evaluation for comparative analysis of serials that are indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded™ and by the Emerging Sources Citation Index™. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public library staff are increasingly required to work with members of the public with high social needs. Public libraries are places of sanctuary and connection for people experiencing challenges such as homelessness, poverty, mental illness, domestic violence and substance abuses. In recognizing their role to serve the needs of all people who enter their buildings, public library staff are often asked to work outside their areas of expertise to meet the needs of community members. Public library staff can experience feeling overwhelmed and anxious when working with this community, often wanting to help but not knowing where the boundary between providing support and undermining the self-determination of the individual lies, and not knowing what resources and services would best meet the needs of these visitors. To assist patrons with high social needs and library staff, the City of Melbourne Libraries followed an approach now common in the United States of America, but largely untested in Australia by working with a local housing group to place a social worker in their City Library. This article explores the early work of the Library Social Worker as she engaged with library patrons and provided training to library staff. Using statistics and case notes that describe her activities and their outcomes, we can see that although this practice is new for the Australian public library system, the placement of a social worker into a busy urban library has significant benefits to both patrons in need and the staff who work with them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries are technology-rich environments, and library workers access and use various technologies during their work days. Before you embark on your next technology implementation, whether it involves a new library management system, a self-checkout machine, or an innovative technology product, I strongly recommend reading this book. [Extracted from the article]

Public libraries are quintessential civic and education institutions which have undergone significant transformation. In the context of digital knowledge platforms and the neoliberalisation of public space, libraries are increasingly framed as knowledge portals, community hubs, refuges, and rare examples of universally accessible public spaces. If public libraries are transforming as educational, public and civic spaces, what does this mean for the way libraries work as everyday pedagogical spaces? This paper explores this question by considering how citizen-subjects might be 'curated' through the everyday materialities and spatial ordering of a community library in an ethno-culturally diverse neighbourhood in suburban Sydney. Drawing on interviews with users and staff in the library, I examine how material, spatial and interactional codes shape habits and constitute a pedagogical assemblage oriented around civic instruction, particularly for recently arrived migrants. I suggest that the library as conditional, semi-public space and spatial-material assemblage includes subtle forms of citizenship training, including training in openness to forms of 'commonplace diversity'. I argue that examining community libraries in this way can offer insights into the everyday pedagogies of social spaces and the way people practice civic belonging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library patrons are adopting mobile devices for personal and other uses. The ubiquity of mobile devices will lead to changes in how and where learning and education happens. Libraries have wanted to become ubiquitous by making resources and services available anywhere, anytime. Reference librarians can use mobile devices and applications to include services in mobile learning environments. Challenges to libraries include uncertainty about which technologies to adopt in a rapidly changing technology landscape, the cost of technology adoption, staffing for 24–7, diversity of needs and preferences among library patrons, and the need to offer stable, consistent services. The combination of mobile librarians, mobile patrons, and mobile content provides an opportunity to move closer to the ideal of the ubiquitous library. This article originally published in Journal of Library Administration, Vol. 51, Issue 3, pages 279–290, 2011. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2011.556942. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In 2015, the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Libraries formed the BTAA Library E-Resource Accessibility Group. This group, which consists of members from each Big Ten library and the BTAA Library Initiatives staff, was charged with creating boilerplate accessibility license language for vendor contracts, as well as collectively funding high level accessibility testing of e-resources and posting these publicly for all libraries and users. Since the creation of the group, about 50 databases have been tested and accessibility license language has been created that can be used and adapted by anyone. In 2019, the group welcomed another consortia, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), to be partners in this work, renaming themselves the Library Accessibility Alliance. This paper examines the mission, accomplishments, and new partnership in more depth while also discussing the need for focused efforts to help ensure accessible e-resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the library is to provide quality service and lifelong learning facilities to its users. However, there are indications of low level of effectiveness in many polytechnic libraries. Studies revealed that this could be attributed to leadership style, work environment and organisational silence. The study, therefore, investigated the extent to which the independent variables influenced institutional effectiveness of polytechnic libraries in South-West, Nigeria. The research adopted survey research design. The population consisted of 429 library personnel from the 32 polytechnic libraries in South-West, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 24 (75%) polytechnic libraries. Total enumeration was used for the 368 personnel. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients ranged from.81 to.95. The return rate was 86.96%. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that there was a combined positive and significant influence of leadership style, work environment and organisational silence on institutional effectiveness. Furthermore, the level of institutional effectiveness was low; leadership style predominately practiced was transactional closely followed by transformational leadership style. The work environment of employees was found to be unconducive. Organisational silence was at a low degree in the Polytechnics. In conclusion, leadership style, work environment and organizational silence were major factors contributing to low level of institutional effectiveness. Study recommended that heads of libraries should practise more of transformational leadership style and create a conducive work environment. Heads of libraries need to ensure that opinions and ideas of employees are considered so that institutional effectiveness could be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As staffing models evolve for academic library service points, online chat reference services require strategic analysis to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This paper will examine the perception of chat reference before and after staffing changes from faculty librarians, staff, and graduate assistants to non-MLIS library professionals and graduate assistants at Florida State University's a large, public research university library. Our survey explores satisfaction levels and perception of both patrons and library personnel before and after the staffing change. Our analysis of 197 patron survey results determined that patrons are equally satisfied with non-librarian provision of chat reference services and found chat interactions to be comparable in quality and timeliness to chats staffed by librarians. Our research into staffer survey results revealed a slight decrease in satisfaction with operation of the service, notably in terms of confidence after the staffing transition even though this was not reflected in the patron satisfaction levels. This assessment indicates that library workers are equally as competent in staffing chat reference services as librarians from patron perspectives. As academic libraries continue to measure the value of staffing service desks with librarians, this study will provide relevant insight into how patrons and staffers are affected by changes in staffing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Library automation provides a comprehensive way to lessen physical labor, reduce human error and grant access to information materials anywhere and anytime. A mobile computerized system for handling the activities and services of the library helps the library staffs to process the work more accurately, and it saves time as well. This research work aimed to design and implement an Android application for the library so that libraries can use to overcome the social and other challenges that prevent them from providing services on the go. The Android application was designed and implemented using the Android Studio which contains XML (extensible mark-up language) and Java. At the back-end HTML (Hypertext mark-up language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), PHP (PHP Hypertext pre-processor), and MySQL database were used. The system was tested after the development and found it suitable for meeting all the requirements specified. The system can add to the integrity of the library, ease the activities of the librarian and eliminate the stress related to the current process of searching for library books and other study materials. Before the introduction of the Android OS, access to the library documents was done only by the librarian. Android applications have become more popular and it holds a maximum number of users when compared to all other platforms. The Android application retrieves the information stored in the library database through the library server, for example, checking whether the books are available in the library or borrowed without intervening anyone. Users can suggest books for the library, and they are notified about their suggestion by the librarian. This article brings a new idea of the users to access the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise in academic libraries has been a consistent concern of library staff and library users. This concern has intensified as libraries have emphasized their role in supporting student learning, including learning that occurs in a busy, collaborative environment. Studies of acceptable library noise levels have traditionally been conducted in areas where quiet was expected. This study adds to the literature by studying ideal noise levels for a busy, collaborative study space: the library learning commons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 15 years, the work of staff at the University of Arizona (UA) Libraries has transformed significantly to meet the evolving needs of library users, the changing profession, and the economic climate. To keep pace with these changes, the UA Libraries have gradually shifted to a new, competency-based hiring and performance management model. This article will describe the process of moving to a competency-based model both for librarians and classified staff at the University of Arizona. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews publisher and vendor use of library advisory boards. While they are not new to the information industry, library advisory boards have assumed new importance. From the industry perspective, library advisory boards provide valuable market feedback concerning products and services. For librarians, membership on library advisory boards is an opportunity to learn about new products, provide feedback on existing products, and better understand the information marketplace. Recent literature is reviewed and a number of publishers and vendors are surveyed. The uses and organization of advisory boards and their value to both companies and the library community are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the relations between libraries and vendors which need to have an open communications to better provide services to end-users. The author points out that if there is relationship, there is dependence. The library employees are providing a service to their customers which can be improved if the working relationship between library staff and the vendor can also be enhanced. The author points out that the open lines of communications and the sharing of information are the key points of library and vendor relations.

Due to immigration patterns over the past few decades, librarians and library administrators at all levels-public, school, and academic-are increasingly welcoming library users who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). Not surprisingly, growth has also occurred in the ESL teaching profession (referred to as TESOL-Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), including the proliferation of many Web sites for both teachers and students. This article discusses these sites, particularly in the context of how they may be of help to libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the summer of 2020, Austin Peay State University's Woodward Library added a report feature to all catalog records, allowing library users to alert technical services personnel of any errors discovered while searching, including broken links or incorrect information. With the implementation of the report feature, spot checking efforts were crowdsourced to library users, and data were collected on the types of errors appearing most often in catalog records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the user's experience of pertaining electronic resources available at libraries in U.S. Topics include locating the desired content to view inconsistency in the e-resource journey; designing the user interface with its focus on identifying, locating, and accessing desired content; and attempting to assess the e-resources for contracts at the trial phase and involving library staff. Author also mention efforts to improve the user experience for e-resource librarians.

The article presents a case study on the impact of 3D printing services on stakeholders of the Frisco Public Library. It mentions the concerns of intellectual property and 3D printed weapons for 3D printing in libraries, It also states the effect of 3D printing services on library users and library staffs. It highlights the challenges of printing restrictions and fair use of the printing services.

Harrison College (formerly Indiana Business College), a for-profit institution with approximately 6,100 students, implemented a virtual reference service in 2009. This article discusses our choice to use LibraryH3lp as the provider for this service, and how it has created a unique model for staffing our virtual reference services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: After a two-year renovation, the Kent State University Music Library reopened as the Performing Arts Library. Before the closure, some serials were sent to the depository or reclassified within the library. In order to assist patrons browsing print journals or searching for articles in the stacks, library staff created shelf dummies detailing print and electronic holdings information as well as indexing for each title. Patron feedback has been positive, and the project has helped both library staff and patrons better understand accessibility and location of journals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article is a study of the policies that govern the use of the university library by external users at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and 12 peer institutions used by IUPUI for comparative purposes. A search of each institution's Web site was conducted as well as interviews with circulation librarians and managers. Although it was useful to learn of common practices, it was especially beneficial to learn about policies that differed substantially from those in place at comparable institutions. Creative solutions developed to address problems at other libraries can be used to influence policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents the results of a survey on Innovative Interfaces' Electronic Resource Management System (III's ERM). The authors distributed the survey to III ERM users through LISTSERVS in November 2009 and received sixty-one responses. The survey contained seventeen questions that focused on three themes: satisfaction with implementation, impact on workflow, and impact on patrons. The results indicated that difficulty with implementation caused some dissatisfaction with staff workflow, although a majority of informants indicated that III's ERM improved staff workflow to some degree. The major benefits of III's ERM were listed in terms of the product's impact on patrons. Serials Review 2011; 37:80-86. (c) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All right reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International students constitute a significant proportion of the Australian university population, and thus of the university library-using population. Drawing on qualitative research findings, this paper discusses the library-related experiences and perceptions of international students at two Australian universities. While the students' previous library use was limited, at their host university they experienced challenges using the library, often associated with unfamiliarity. However, they generally viewed their Australian university library and library staff in a positive light. The findings support recommendations for developing library professionals' awareness of international students' and their library use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries need to make progress with user centered search and discovery work. Context specific resource and search recommendations, alternative approaches, efficient federated searching, and live synchronous help must be a more vital part of the online landscape which libraries present to users. Staff must view the virtual and physical presence as parts of the whole spectrum of service and be comfortable in both environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the eyes of our patrons, the success of a library transaction depends on both the accuracy of the information conveyed and the quality of the patron/staff interaction. We each experience rapport naturally many times during the day. Skills borrowed from the field of neuro-linguistic programming allow us to learn to quickly create a state of rapport with anyone we encounter. By learning to create rapport intentionally with our patrons, we can improve the quality of their library experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The information retrieval systems of Biological Abstracts on SilverPlatter and EBSCOhost were evaluated to determine the levels of sophistication and search expertise required by end users to locate information efficiently. Novice, expert, and natural language queries were used and the search results were compared and analyzed to determine what factors end users need to consider for comprehensive information retrieval while searching Biological Abstracts. It was evident from the search results that effective information retrieval using Biological Abstracts on two vendors' platforms largely depended on users' search skills, their knowledge of the information retrieval systems and the search mechanisms they support. The article is an indicator of the criteria that should be taken into account by the librarians and other information professionals in evaluating databases to make the best choices for their institutions and users. It also confirms the need to train the end users who search databases and other digital resources remotely and without any intermediaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our neighborhoods are full of life. This life flows into and through our libraries. The cares, worries, joys, and pleasures of everyday living accompany these visits. Members of these communities may walk in, be pushed in, and sometimes perhaps, skate in. Those of us who work in their libraries are the beneficiaries. The stories of some of these neighbors as they use the Colonial Heights, Elk Grove, and Fair Oaks branches of the Sacramento Public Library are conveyed in this anecdotal-based article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research on job stress offers new insights into the burnout syndrome and its antithesis, job engagement. Common sources of stress and library-specific stress contribute to the incidence of burnout in libraries. The author offers personal experience and strategies for managing burnout on personal and organizational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different modes of networking for business and economics librarians are explored. Business librarians are urged to think beyond the traditional associations and means of communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is common for librarians of any ilk to sometimes feel overwhelmed by the seemingly endless barrage of information coming at us. New technologies promise to ease the information overload and help us to streamline our life, but who has time to learn how to incorporate these when we can hardly manage our workflow as it is? For business librarians, these feelings of overload can be compounded by the nature of the discipline itself-business never sleeps, so why should we? How do we manage to keep up with nonstop business news, stay abreast of the professional literature, keep pace with the changing databases and other resources, meet the increasing demands from our administrators, patrons, and clients and just get through our day-to-day tasks? This article presents a few strategies for keeping up and an annotated bibliography highlighting a number of resources that business librarians can use to help them stay current and informed about the business reference world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possible applicability of the FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) model to serial works was discussed by Kristin Antelman from North Carolina State University. She provided an overview of the FRBR model, pointing out that, while there arc currently few details on how it would relate to serials, it does have applicability to serial works. The concept of a super-record was discussed as a way to incorporate FRBR concepts into one bibliographic record that could represent an overview of a serial work with all of its title changes, different formats, and holdings information. Antelman used a variety of screen shot examples to show how current views of a serial in an OPAC can be confusing and frustrating for library users and how a super-record approach drawing on FRBR concepts could present information in a much more concise, easy-to-read format. While a formal model to apply FRBR to serial works has not yet been developed, Antelman demonstrated that such a model could be beneficial to library and information science professionals as well as library users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the introduction of Web 2.0 techniques and tools at the Yarra Plenty public library in Victoria, beginning with library staff. The author argues that as libraries move from Web 1.0 type delivery systems to the social networking world of Library 2.0 librarians need to deploy and make accessible these radically different systems, social interactions and library places. Whilst formats have changed, and will continue to change, delivery systems have changed and will continue to change, skill sets and competencies have changed and will continue to change, the users, the citizens who fund and value library services, still need to have their social, cultural and recreational needs met in both the virtual and physical domains in which libraries operate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasingly public use computers are impacting library operations. Libraries need to accept and embrace computers and technology, as another facet of a library's daily operations. This article relates problem scenarios encountered by library staff and customers whenever a computer reservation management/print job system is not in place. It provides insight into the factors management considered before deciding on a computer reservation system. It details the procedures required of staff and customers, analyzes usage and revenue pre and post implementation, and shares staff and customer reactions to a computer reservation/print job system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This bibliographic essay examines recent (1994-2006) research into the evaluation of reference effectiveness. Different methods for evaluating traditional in-person reference services are compared and contrasted from an unobtrusive or obtrusive methodology perspective, including those that use the "Willingness to Return" factor and the Wisconsin-Ohio Reference Evaluation Program (WOREP). A review of emerging trends is provided as well as recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information how to deal with problem patrons. According to the article, problem patrons must be diffused to assure safety for those in the library and their ability in using the library resources. In this case, several web sites are provided that discuss on problem patrons and can give direction in handling problematic situations. The web site http://mercury.southern.cc.oh.us/Home/bedwards/introduction.html has a list of crisis prevention tips to diffuse a possible heated situation before it become problematic. The web site www.georgialibraries.org/lib/training/ppt/problems.ppt provides presentation about problem patrons. Moreover, the web site http://slis.cua.edu/sjp/553-probpats.htm takes a positive and succinct approach in dealing library's problematic situations.

Improving library technologies allow patrons greater autonomy. One such technology, self-checkout kiosks, puts patrons in virtual control over their circulation experience. Whereas previously patrons had to approach circulation staff to check out, now this can be done privately. The impact self-checkout has on the circulation of potentially embarrassing or controversial materials is unknown. In this study, select lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and non-LGBT materials at Central Michigan University's Park Library were anonymously tracked for one academic year to determine if they circulated via self-check or the traditional circulation desk. LGBT materials circulated twenty percent more via self-check, indicating that patrons appreciated the machines' privacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]