Measures of excellence: the search for the gold standard.

Questions concerning some of the values we hold as librarians and the goals, standards, and other evaluation tools we derive from them are discussed in the context of the history of our profession and the present period of rapid change. The concepts of stable and changing paradigms and of "scientific communities" provide the foundation for consideration of how a changing conceptual framework can affect values and their application in the evaluation process. One of many possible scenarios for the future is briefly outlined to demonstrate how some traditional values may fare.     

Review of criteria used to measure library effectiveness

This article reports the results of a survey of literature on measures of library effectiveness. This survey led to the formulation of six criterion concepts (accessibility, cost, user satisfaction, response time, cost/benefit ratio, and use). The advantages and disadvantages of each method of measurement are discussed. Several points which became clear during the analysis are discussed. First, there is a relative lack of concern with the rationale behind the evaluation process, although the results invariably lead to a confused interpretation when there is no clear understanding of the purpose of an evaluation. Second, the total library system is rarely considered; instead, each evaluation criterion is taken in isolation rather than as part of the whole. Third, the library's preservation function has not been considered at all.     

The hospital library committee: its composition and tasks

Since a sizeable hospital must have a library, it must have a library committee. Like all hospital committees, this one is to help maintain standards of medical care and to mediate between staff and administration. Unlike others, it clusters around one elected member (the chairman) and one employee (the librarian). A dynamic librarian can, and should, influence and inspire the committee's deliberations; and must be able to depend upon the support of the physician members of the committee.     

Into the Future:The Challenge and Promise of Technology for Digital Libraries

我们长期将数字图书馆作为一个独立的世界来构建,这个独立的世界中包括数字对象的创建、管理、发现、传递以及利用等。这种相对封闭的模式与高度发达的开放网络世界背道而驰。在网络世界中,用户可以通过大型的检索系统,如Google和Amazon来发现信息,还可以在管理这些信息资源的系统之外对其进行利用。当用户都涌向网络世界时,数字图书馆就面临着打破其固有封闭状态的挑战,以便适应开放的网络世界,否则将失去其实用性。当前,许多条件都给数字图书馆提供了改变现状、提高实用性的机遇。本文将讨论数字图书馆现存的典型模式以及该模式带来的后果,讨论数字图书馆工作改革的方式,并简要探讨数字图书馆建设中的成功技术实例。