The benefits of library liaison programs for small libraries: an overview

Library liaison programs are commonly used and provide a successful framework for communication in academic libraries. Liaison programs, whereby librarians are formally designated as the primary contact between the library and one or more departmental or administrative units, are proven to improve the transfer of information between the library and users, to improve the quality of collections and services, and to enhance the library's image. Previously published literature on liaison programs is primarily devoted to large-scale liaison programs in academic settings, the market where this model is commonly employed. Small hospital and other smaller libraries are nearly absent in the literature, reflecting the low level of liaison use in the smaller library setting. This article invites hospital and other smaller libraries to explore the liaison model by presenting common liaison goals and activities that are not only pertinent to, but also scalable, adaptable, and adoptable by smaller and larger libraries alike.     

Science teachers' social conscience and the role of controversial issues in the teaching of science

The increasing number and variety of controversial scientific and technological issues with which citizens are confronted has led, in recent years, to calls for a schooling of science which prepares future citizens for participation in resolving such issues. We examined the social conscience of science teachers as it bears on the teaching of controversial issues. The study was conducted by interviewing teachers in two widely different English-speaking locations, Scotland and the United States. The research explores the perceptions of teachers with regard to the teaching of controversial issues, the problem of handling personal value positions when dealing with issues, and the tension that exists between the teaching of controversial issues and traditional value-free science curricula. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Effects of swing-weight on swing speed and racket power

Measurements are presented of the speed at which six different rods could be swung by four male students. Three of the rods had the same mass but their swing-weight (i.e. moment of inertia) differed by large factors. The other three rods had the same swing-weight but different masses. Our primary objective was to quantify the effects of mass and swing-weight on swing speed. The result has a direct bearing on whether baseball, tennis, cricket and golf participants should choose a heavy or light implement to impart maximum speed to a ball. When swinging with maximum effort, swing speed (V) was found to decrease as swing-weight (Io) increased, according to the relation V = C/Ion, where C is a different constant for each participant and n = 0.27 when Io > 0.03 kg x m2. Remarkably similar results were obtained previously with softball bats (where n = 0.25) and golf clubs (where n = 0.26). Swing speed remained approximately constant as swing mass increased (when keeping swing-weight fixed). The implications for racket power are discussed.     

Exciting nonfiction

Nonfiction for children and young adults long suffered from a reputation for dullness in both content and presentation. In recent years, however, the genre has been re-created with entertaining writing, focused treatment of subjects, supplementary backmatter, and an emphasis on design and illustration. In this article, a nonfiction writer describes some methods for making such books exciting and readable. James Cross Giblin is the author of eleven, nonfiction books for young readers, many of which have won awards and honors. His two most recent titles areThe Truth About Unicorns andThe Riddle of the Rosetta Stome: Key to Ancient Egypt. Mr. Giblin is also contributing editor at Clarion Books, and he lectures frequently at conferences of librarians, teachers, and writers.