Search

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical model that can be used to forecast the number of individuals who enter the library as well as the number of patrons that seek assistance at the reference desk of the library. An accurate estimate of demand at the reference desk is valuable for effective staffing decisions. Design/methodology/approach - An exponential smoothing model (Winter's model) was developed for forecasting. Data were gathered at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for an entire year. Using these data, an exponential smoothing model was formulated for forecasting the number of patrons seeking assistance. Since the data showed no trend but the presence of two seasonality factors, one for the week-of-the-semester effect and one for the day-of-the-week effect, the Winter's method appeared to be best suited. The Winter's method develops a formula from the data and allows the formula to be continuously fine-tuned as new observations come in day after day. Findings - The modified Winter's exponential smoothing model proved to be a good predictor of the number of patrons seeking assistance. In spite of large natural random variability present in the data, the actual values seem to follow the forecasts very closely. Originality/value - It is vital to be able to forecast the number of clients at the reference desk that seek assistance per day. The modified exponential smoothing model is a valuable tool for such forecasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Partners for Change project aimed to encourage disadvantaged young people aged 11-19 in the South West region of England to get involved in making decisions about public libraries. The project was developed using an action research approach and took place between May 2005 and June 2007. An action research approach was used so that learning from the project could inform the development of national tools for public library services in England as part of a programme known as Fulfilling their Potential. The project found that disadvantaged young people are happy to offer ideas to improve their local public library if they have had the opportunity to develop a trusting relationship with library staff. However, many young people feel that they are often asked for their views on public services but are seldom told what happens as a result. The project found that if public libraries are to be successful in involving young people in decision-making, library staff need training and sufficient resources to work in-depth with relatively small groups of young people. Project lessons have been incorporated into the Fulfilling their Potential programme so that public libraries across England can develop effective strategies for engaging disadvantaged young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a case study in user-centered design that explores the needs and preferences of undergraduate users. An analysis of LibQual+ and other user surveys, interviews with public service staff, and a formal American with Disabilities Act accessibility review served as the basis for planning a redesign of the Brown University Library's Web site. Three testing phases were conducted: individual usability testing of the existing site and baseline data collection on Web use preferences; focus groups to respond to a functional prototype and search prototypes; and individual usability testing and interviews on revised functional prototypes. The delicate task of obtaining staff buy-in without letting their opinion drive the redesign was accomplished by keeping the project team small and nonrepresentational, submitting all conflicts to user testing, and promising an intranet that would meet the specialized needs of staff. A commitment to experimentation and a willingness to jettison design and functional elements which did not meet user approval kept the design process agile and flexible. Prototype testing of a variety of search options clearly demonstrated that the lack of integration in a library's information system makes it difficult to rationalize and optimize the user's search experience. Difficulties enlisting staff to edit existingWeb content were solved by outsourcing content review and editing for Web-appropriate length and format. Except for this content review, the Web site redesign and usability testing were all conducted in-house with limited resources and a nine-month time-frame. The study's focus on user expectations and nomenclature largely confirmed the results of previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores on the significance of Global Memory Net (GMNet) and World Heritage Memory Net (WHMNet) to researchers worldwide. GMNet is a multi-year international digital library project backed by the U.S. National Science Foundation launched in July 2006 to provide a model global digital library of unique cultural, historical and heritage image collections. It uses integrated Multimedia Content Retrieval System (i-M-C-S) to furnish fast, effective retrieval and delivery of resources on indigenous culture and art. WHMNet is another project made possible through the alliance of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's(UNESCO) World Heritage Center that uses GMNet's i-M-C-S technology in the provision of its services.

The article features the musée du quai Branly in Paris, France. The facility is dedicated to art and civilisations of Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania and has been open since June 20, 2006. Its collection came from two pre-existing museum institutions, the musée de l'Homme and the musée des arts d'Afrique et d'Océanie. Both facilities' collection were gathered together, enhanced, developed and enriched to furnish one single service to users. The listing, indexing and digitisation of the facility's entire history of collections were implemented when they created a single database called Docmuse. With a new and unified system at hand, researchers can search various information into the scheme including reports of missions and letters from collectors.

Patron use of the Internet may appear to overwhelm the public library's traditional role. This is often the case at the Colonial Heights Branch of the Sacramento Public Library. Fortunately the services which are required to support Internet use complement those required to assist patrons with the print and media collections. This essay recounts the important, primarily personal ways in which a branch library in a low socio-economic neighborhood reinforces its traditional informational and instructional role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the need for libraries in Nigeria to engage in information repackaging (IR) in order to better serve library patrons. Packaging material is defined as the process which selects, processes and bundles material in a manner appropriate for the user. The author indicates that libraries are forced to repackage information due to changing information technologies. Topics include library services that which can be used at a distance, can handle multiple users, and can be utilized in a variety of ways. Also discussed is better service from libraries due to IR.

The article offers information on the establishment of the Hillingdon Public Library Service in London, England. It is stated that after the opening of the library, it consistently presents a 70% increase in book issues and 80% rise in library visits. It is averred that the public now have what they have been asking for, such as long opening hours, better book collections and smart and clean environment. It is inferred that a public library is the easiest kind of retailing where the product is known and there is no concern about cash.

The article examines the growth of readers' advisory services in libraries and in library education trends regarding this area. The expansion of readers' advisory services from genre fiction guidance to assistance with leisure reading including mainstream fiction and nonfiction is discussed. Content explored in readers' advisory courses taken as part of Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs is examined. Resources available to aid in readers' advisory are also discussed. Particular focus is given to challenges facing this service area including overcoming the personal literary preferences of librarians, coping with ambiguity, and developing an attitude of lifelong learning.

Copyright of El Profesional de la Información is the property of EPI SCP and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of El Profesional de la Información is the property of EPI SCP and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sooner Xpress service arose out of a need to improve and expand services for library users at the University of Oklahoma. After several years of service for our distance education students, a decision was made to expand those services to include all campus and local users in an effort to streamline retrieval services in the library. Both returnable and non-returnable items are included in the Sooner Xpress service. This article presents the history of the Sooner Xpress service and reports the problems and solutions that have been encountered thus far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provision of resource request and delivery services in libraries is being re-designed in response to a shift in patron needs and expectations. The design of these services needs to include definitions of patron needs/expectations, staffing and systems components, and local policies and capabilities. This article includes a review of literature on the use of delivery services, a survey of current practices in interlibrary loan departments, and a review of the policies implemented and technical decisions made at the Z. Smith Reynolds Library at Wake Forest University during the ILL/Document Delivery integration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Special-subject libraries can be particularly intimidating for casual and seasoned patrons alike. Music libraries, with their variety of materials, formats, and vocabularies, can present particular challenges for the user. With this proposal for a model of service delivery, as well as many tips gained through experience working the front-of-house in a large academic music library, music library Public Services staff can significantly enrich the patron experience, which, in turn, will pay tangible dividends and enhance the stature of the music library on campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of 4,032 youth in grades 5 through 12 was conducted to determine the impact youth's use of the Internet was having on their use of the public library. Results indicated that 100% of the youth had access to the Internet from one or more locations, and that although one quarter of the youth accessed the Internet at the public library, the public library was the least frequently used source of Internet access. For youth without Internet access at home, the public library was also the least used alternate source of access. Approximately 69% of the youth reported that they had visited a public library during the school year. Having Internet access at home did not affect whether or not youth visited the library however, Internet access at home appears to have affected the frequency with which youth visit the library. Youth without Internet access at home visited the library more frequently, whereas youth with Internet access at home visited the library less frequently. Use of the Internet also appeared to have diminished youth's need to use the public library as a source of personal information however, use of the Internet appeared not to have affected their use of the public library for school work or for recreation. Among youth, use of both the Internet and the public library appear to be complementary activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information concerning the use of virtual reference services (VRS) for libraries, as well as the introduction of a series of assertions and questions acknowledging that the foundation of reference is a conversation for learning, in the U.S. The author infers that over several years an intensive effort has been underway to better understand reinvent reference in a digital age. Even in the settings of a virtual reference cooperative that used referral systems, the fundamental content-loaded process was seen as one librarian and one patron.

The article presents the guidelines for library services to Spanish-speaking library users in the U.S. Factors such as nationality, regional differences and culture can increase the complexity of library services to Spanish-speaking users. Spanish-speaking communities in the country have different language skills and competencies in English and Spanish. Selection of Spanish language materials should follow the procedures for collection development. In order to understand the composition and needs of the target populations, create a profile of the Spanish-speaking communities the library intends to serve.

Some library users come in the door knowing exactly where to go, with clearly defined and communicated needs. However, many more enter the library on an exploratory mission and often stop at the first service desk that catches their eye. In many libraries, this point of first contact is a security or general information desk, not a full-service reference desk. This opens the question, are users being served effectively and their expectations being met? During the first several weeks of the fall 2003 semester, staff at the service desk closest to the front door of a large academic library recorded the specific questions asked by library patrons and their responses. This data was subjected to qualitative analysis techniques and revealed some trends in what current students are seeking when they initially come into the library. The results are useful for managers to consider in establishing appropriate staffing models (such as who should work at this desk), developing relevant training, and planning service desk and collection spatial configurations. This article presents the results from this study and explores possible factors that managers should take into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effective behaviors of reference librarians during the chat reference interview, with particular emphasis given to whether the service users would feel more satisfied when librarians adopt the behaviors recommended in the revised "RUSA Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Services Providers." The data analyzed for this study consisted of 422 chat reference transaction transcripts and corresponding user surveys obtained from a public library system that participated in a nationwide chat reference consortium. In six of the ten behavioral types observed, the users perceived the service as more satisfying when librarians demonstrated the behaviors suggested in the revised guidelines than when they did not. Five of these behaviors--receptive and cordial listening, searching information sources with or for the patrons, providing information sources, asking patrons whether the question was answered completely, and asking patrons to return when they need further assistance--were revealed as strong predictors of user satisfaction. These findings demonstrated that the RUSA behaviors are effective in increasing user satisfaction, suggesting that the guidelines can continue to be used as an effective tool for both staff training and service assessment in chat reference services. This report concludes with recommendations for further improvement of the guidelines and agendas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to examine the development and growth of the university libraries in Pakistan. It also examines the obstacles in the provision of better library services in the universities of the country. The study is based on an extensive review of the available literature, personal observations of the author and discussions with the senior library professionals. It was found that the situation of university libraries in Pakistan is a satisfactory compared to other types of libraries, but they are not meeting the required standards and are not participating in the universities' educational and research programs satisfactorily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to investigate how the public library user was constructed in a Danish context in the period 1880–1920. The article argues that the definition and understanding of users as coming from all classes in society is a blind spot in Danish librarianship today. The article applies the theories of Michel Foucault on discourse and power in order to discuss how the user was constructed as a classless category and as a means of controlling the masses in libraries. This requires an examination of the way the library population was categorized, as well as of the bureaucratization and normalization of the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the success of Internet access via search technology, such ease of access is still not available in Web archives, as a greater amount of relevant contextual information is essential in accessing Web archives. The degree of relevance of the contextual information has to be customized to suit research on culture and heritage study over time. Information scientists have long been struggling to find a system that can help them organize Web archives so that users can have access to complete and coherent collections. Lessons can be learned from archivists who have an established tradition of linking materials to its origin and ownership or what is termed provenance. In this paper, we demonstrate how Web Annotation for Web Intelligence, more than just an intuitive way of expressing one's thoughts on the materials under study, is in fact an appropriate tool for cataloguing Web archives in order to ensure a high quality of access for users. Informed by the theory of Records Continuum, a demonstration of access to archived Web materials will be presented. We then recommend an effective way of allowing the continual organization of Web archives based on several design principles for a Web annotation system. This system would preserve the evidence and context of the cataloguing process. Such a tool would also help facilitate collaboration among information professionals in organizing complex Web archives. Implementing the recommended Web annotation system will help ensure better-quality archives with more evidence and contextual information preserved within the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young adults form a significant proportion of library users all over the world. In Sierra Leone, however, this group of users is the most easily neglected in terms of collection development and the provision of library services. As this article explores public library services to young adult readers in Sierra Leone, it notes the characteristics of young adults, provides an overview of public library services in Sierra Leone, and outlines the programs provided in meeting the needs of this user group to meet the goal of service for all without distinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to report on Florida State University Libraries' program designed to bring information services directly to patrons in the Strozier Library without requiring them to physically come to a service desk. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is a simple program evaluation of ten months' worth of data from the students (phase one) and staff members (phase two) who walked the floors assisting patrons. Statistics taken at each phase by both groups were analyzed and compared for any noticeable discrepancies in number or type. Findings - Statistics taken during the first phase show this program to be a valuable asset to the library, and that it should be continued even if Strozier does not move in the direction of providing ‘deskless’ services. The second phase did not garner as many questions and we are currently evaluating the data to determine if the repressive factor was the personnel differences, semester (time of year) or the service, and how we can improve the results. Research limitations/implications - This paper cannot be generalized since it is specific to one setting with limited data. Originality/value - This paper holds potential value to other libraries considering embarking on a similar initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of IFLA Journal is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There was once a time when librarians could tell patrons what to do. If patrons wanted high-quality scholarly information they had to come get it in the library and had to do so on the library's terms. But we no longer live in a world of information scarcity; we now live in a world of information glut, and our patrons no longer feel as if they need us. Are they right? Are they fooling themselves? Do we need to change their minds-or our practices? And what does any of this have to do with serials work? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The privacy and confidentiality of library use are often at odds with efficiency in and customization of library public services. When librarians make decisions about services and privacy, they should consider strategic approaches to defining and discussing privacy and become familiar with the law of library privacy and their ethical commitment to privacy in library use. A wide range of library services and efficiencies threaten privacy and introduce the potential for secondary uses of personally identifying information collected by the library. Market failure for privacy weakens the value of consumer surveys and consent as substitutes for librarians' choices between privacy and services. Compromises such as those outlined by the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee offer reasonable approaches to libraries and librarians struggling with the uncertainties that characterize the challenge of meeting both service and privacy interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the decision that some libraries are making to only provide the electronic version of certain journal subscriptions. The article suggests that this decision would make content searching easier for consumers who can begin looking up their topic right away instead of first trying to locate the issue in the library. Also discussed is the amount of stress that would be relieved from libraries who would no longer have to manage and catalog paper copies.

Binghamton University Libraries implemented an IM reference service using the Trillian client to monitor multiple IM accounts at two distinct reference service points. This paper addresses the process and practical considerations of implementing the service including selection of the appropriate software, creation of IM accounts for each service, development of a staffing schedule, and training of reference staff. Also included is an outline of future plans for improving IM services for students and academic library users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of Web Crawler activities based upon Web access logs from the Web site of an academic library. It further compares crawler behavior with that of regular human visitors. The results provide practical insights and foster a culture of evidence-based practice for better managing network-based resources and maintaining a reliable IT infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin des bibliothèques de France is the property of ENSSIB and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on the LibQUAL+™'s instrument, fundamental assumption and research approach and proposes a functional/technical model of academic library effectiveness. The expanded view of library effectiveness complements LibQUAL+™, which emphasizes it to be dependent upon users' experience of service delivery, as LibQUAL+™ recognizes. The broader model shows that effectiveness depends upon an academic library's operations, the constituency groups it serves, the types of value provided to them, the models for funding libraries, academic libraries' obligations and library users' need for professional information assistance. Supplementing LibQUAL+™ provides a basis for demonstrating both immediate and cumulative academic library effectiveness.

Library blogs offer a compelling means of reaching out to patrons and engaging them in conversation. However, even the most well-written blog can suffer for lack of an audience if not marketed properly. The marketing concept and the related marketing mix provide useful frameworks for planning and implementing blog projects to give them the best chances of being read by the intended patrons. This article will describe the marketing concept and marketing mix and explain how these ideas can be successfully applied to any library blog endeavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no standard form for patron registration at special collections libraries. The author recommends that special collections adopt a registration form that features a basic common set of information categories. The information gathered with these forms can be used internally to learn more about a collection's users and how to better serve them. The information can be compared and shared between libraries to gain more knowledge about the users of special collections and their needs. The challenges of updating and creating registration forms are discussed and suggestions are offered for their implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines technologies used to provide library patrons with the same kind of success in finding information as achieved with Google searching. It is recommended to simulate Google, and then move beyond Google. One technology that allows libraries to emulate the "do not make me think" environment provided by Google is federated searching. With this kind of searching, users can access article's indexes, the library's online catalog and locally developed or Web databases all at the same time. Another technology, faceted browsing or search clustering, allows the user to narrow down their search results contextually.

In this article, the author shares her experience in dealing with a library patron who asked about statistics on success rates for total hip replacement. The author recounts some challenges she experienced about giving information to the patron. In addition, she offers suggestions for drawing out patron information: be approachable; to get patrons to tell you what they are looking for, ask open-ended questions; verify by paraphrasing the request and asking a yes-or-no question; avoid jargon; and ask follow-up questions.

Simple, inexpensive changes in the consumer health or hospital library environment can create a "healing space," a place where nature, music, art, and light contribute to the support and well-being of patients, families, and hospital staff. Evaluate the reference desk of the library to make it more approachable and friendly. Strive to serve the emotional and spiritual needs of users as well as their informational needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study replicates and extends a previous study conducted in the Southeast on Loansome Doc services provided by libraries and the experiences and opinions of end-users. A total of 531 active Docline Libraries and 318 end-users were surveyed. Many of the findings from a previous study of Loansome Doc in the Southeast are duplicated in this study of Midwest libraries. Approximately half of all the libraries offered Loansome Doc services. Those that did not were not interested in adding the service in the future. Most libraries had minimal increases in number of users and interlibrary loan activity. Problems were rare and satisfaction was high. End-users were primarily physicians, residents, and medical students who found out about Loansome Doc through PubMed. Most end-users thought Loansome Doc was convenient and articles were received in a timely manner. The single improvement of Loansome Doc most often suggested by end-users was electronic delivery of articles. Libraries should be encouraged to provide electronic delivery if they don't already provide it. Better promotion of Loansome Doc by local libraries and at the regional and national level may lead to increases in the number of participating libraries and end-users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decision-making process to move a library's periodical subscriptions from print to electronic versions involves a careful analysis of the risks involved as well as the benefits to the library and the institution. The benefits of electronic journals to a library include easy access to journal contents throughout the institution, completeness of journal contents, availability of supplemental, electronic-only content, space savings, time saved from elimination of journal processing, and no need to bind journal back issues. Some of the risks involved in electronic journal collection development are lack of continuing control over access to content, embargo of current content, and varying content of journal packages. There is increased reliance on electric power and Internet service for journal content with electronic journals. Analysis of the risk involved in an electronic journal collection involves a thorough analysis of the institution's tolerance for risk, the library's mission, and the availability of technical support for electronic access within the library and the institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ABI Technik is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A pilot study was developed to determine use of the University of Texas at Austin General Libraries' research collections in the fields of civil engineering and educational psychology and to investigate the research behavior of graduate students. First, the authors sampled bibliographic citations from dissertations completed during the years 1997 and 2002 in the above-named fields. Then, a survey was sent to the dissertation writers to gain insight into use and opinions of library services for their graduate research. Analysis of information provided by both collection- and user-centered data-gathering techniques serves to underscore the value of the merged evaluation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The library service has undergone a revolution in recent years and yet current perceptions of libraries and librarians seem to be firmly rooted in the past. How has the library 'brand' got left behind? What can libraries and librarians do to update perceptions and increase usage of the library service? This article explores how the library service is currently perceived and provides thoughts on how brand strategy could be used -- individually and collectively by the profession -- to help update perceptions and to build awareness and recognition of the value that libraries offer their users, institutions and society in general. Finally, we propose a 'brand idea' for libraries that would reshape the service they provide and change the way in which they communicate with users and other stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article relates how the author discovered the joy and learning in blogging in her attempt to provide a current awareness service to the underserved library users. The author describes how she has learned to set up a blog through the help of blogger.com. The author also described her eagerness of writing a paragraph or insert a link to the blog and post it on the web. It also gave her the reason to look at cases, pending bills, notices from the bar association and more.

Background: St Martin's College pre-registration health students spend up to half their course on periods of placement, during which times they need to be able to access learning resources. The project aimed to replicate the Health and Education Northumbria Students Access to Learning resources (HENSAL) project. Objective: To look at patterns of use and access to learning resources for health students on placement. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to students who had recently returned from a placement. Five Practice Placement Facilitators were interviewed to gain their views. Results: There was a 60% return rate ( n = 268) for the questionnaire. Most students thought access to learning resources was important yet these were not always available and varied according to placement type. Students still made regular use of the College library while they were on placement but had some difficulties. Students used electronic resources, tending to access them from home. Conclusions: The results indicated that there were issues which needed to be addressed by the College's Faculty of Health and Social Care, Library and IT services, the local NHS Trust libraries and the local Strategic Health Authority to improve access to and use of learning resources. The findings proved to be very similar to those of the HENSAL project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of public digital services on urban/suburban residents, to uncover the current usage of public digital services and levels of satisfaction with the digital resources/content in urban digital libraries (networked computers with specific information infrastructure designed free for public use). Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach is used as a main stream in the research framework as the method of inquiry. Qualitative one-to-one interviews include surveying users who use public library websites, observing the users, consulting librarians about the users, and interviewing the users. Findings – Provides demographic patterns of the patrons' interaction with the digital services public libraries provide, and the satisfaction and compliances the residents have regarding information access through the digital technology in urban/suburban Connecticut. Practical implications – Because of the small number of participants, this study has limitations in being generalized to an understanding of overall patterns of urban residents using digital resources in public settings in the USA or elsewhere, however, it could be a good pilot study for a nation-wide survey with the methods tested. Originality/value – This study helps fulfill the scant empirical attention given to the impact access to public digital information or use of digital library services on the urban/suburban residents, offers new data that help public library administrators enhance the impact, efficiency and value of the public digital library services to improve the digital learning environments for life-long education at all levels in a broad community of urban/suburban users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to illustrate the challenges that a reference law librarian might face when facing the information needs of Constitutionalist patrons. Constitutionalist patrons here are defined as members of a diverse community of groups that challenge the validity of the mainstream legal system in a variety of ways. The paper provides background on the different types of patrons who fit the generic category of Constitutionalist, explains the theories that these patrons use to view the legal system, and discusses sources and materials that are of interest to them. The intention of the paper is to provide the reference librarian with the necessary background information to understand the perspective from which the patrons approach the law library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Information World / Bilgi Dünyası is the property of University & Research Librarians Associations (UNAK) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article provides a survey that investigates the applicability and relevance of search engines technology among the library users so as to cater more visible library services through Web engines. The competition between electronic and online library services increased with the general Web search engine and with specialized academic search engines. Moreover, the role of online library catalogs as the central source of reference regarding all information available in a library is discussed.

The article discusses the positive influence of using library services on the skills, competencies, attitudes and behaviors of the library users in an era of electronic information. The impact and outcome of library services were assessed for its importance on libraries and its users. Furthermore, international cooperation has led to the development of methods to identify and quantify the influence of library services.

Baby boomers are epitomised by the phrase ‘wanting it now’. This large group of the population is better educated, more technologically literate, generally wealthier than any previous generation and has high expectations of quality services and products. Just as they have led other social revolutions, baby boomers are expected to revolutionise the meaning of ageing and retirement. They are also renowned for their voracious consumption of information in all media, which means that libraries have good reason to be involved in planning and policy development if their services are to be considered relevant and timely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]