by Lyn Elizabeth M Martin
page 1-5
by Eileen E Allen
page 7-9
This introduction discusses the nature and history of the Eastern New York Chapter of the Association of College and research Libraries (ENY/ACRL). It also defines the content and scope of the Internet-related papers presented at the Spring 1995 ENY/ACRL Conference.
by Thomas G Kirk, Jr
page 13-29
Over the past 10 years, librarians have seen networking's significant impact on library services and operations. Despite experience with this change, the promise of even greater change in the future is unsettling. We sense excitement; we feel challenged; and yes. we are afraid. How has the library profession responded to network developments? How can we as professionals make the most of the promise of unlimited access to information resources? To answer these and other questions, the history (do we dare call 10 years a history!) of professional association activities on network development will be reviewed. Recommendations will be offered for future activities by both individuals and professional associations.
by Peter Wei He and Trudi E Jacobson
page 31-51
This study investigates the effects of gender, college status, and prior Internet experience on the use of Internet resources. The subjects were 96 patrons randomly selected from those using the Internet terminals at the University Library of the University at Albany, SUNY, during the first two months of 1995. We found that the majority of users shared the following characteristics: they are male undergraduates affiliated with the social sciences and are novice users who have less than six months experience. Respondents felt strongly that the Internet is useful, and has been an important resource for their research assignments. Users have high expectations of searching capabilities, while they feel neutral or disappointed with browsing. Our findings indicate that libraries should provide access to the Internet. They also suggest that libraries should take the lead in developing searchable indexes and making info-bases better organized for the ease and effectiveness of browsing.
by Marilyn Rosenthal and Marsha Spiegelman
page 53-67
This article reports results of a survey of academic reference librarians' use of the Internet as the reference desk at two-year and four-year colleges and universities throughout New York State. The purpose was to gather information about the usefulness of the Internet as a reference tool, as well as to identify personnel behavior, evoke both positive and negative reactions to Internet use, and detect system strengths and weaknesses. Among pertinent findings is the need for direct access and training. Conclusions are drawn and imperatives indicated about the future role of the Internet as it relates to the academic reference librarian.
by Hye Ok Park
page 69-87
This paper describes one library's experience of using the Internet in its delivery of service to users. It describes the scope and methods of usage of the Internet via ALISplus, the Library's universal information access workstation at California State University, FresNumber It discusses the results of user surveys which were administered during the 1992/93 and 1993/94 academic years at the Library to assess the users' general response to the newly implemented ALIS-plus, with a focus on the accessibility of the Internet resources. ALIS-plus has provided access to the Library's GEAC/ADVANCE OPAC CD-ROM databases, as well as other resources available through the Internet since the Summer 1993. The collective efforts which went into the process of developing the University's World Wide Web home page, under the leadership of the Library, are also described.
by William D Graziadei and Gillian M McCombs
page 89-103
The convergence of computing, communications, and traditional educational technologies enables teaching faculty and librarians to discuss, plan, create, and implement fundamentally unique strategies for providing access to people, information, and the teaching/learning process. A tripartite strategy for achieving these goals is presented. The three critical areas are: (1) Content (how to put together search strategies, look for information, process it, sift it, and organize it); (2) Process (how to use the technology to maximum benefit); and (3) Lobbying (in the areas of information policy, financial resources, and technological infrastructure). An action plan is proposed to provide both inspiration and guidance to help accomplish these goals.
by Janelle M Zauha
page 107-120
This paper describes the details of maintaining an Internet information service, focusing on the experience of Documents Center staff in the University of Michigan Library with the "Department of Commerce Economic Data (UMich)" gopher area. Described are the evolution of the service, the logistics of obtaining and posting files, developing staff skills and knowledge, file selection, and provision of enhanced access and assistance. Long term considerations are discussed. Internet information services differ from more traditional library services, equipment, and constant reassessment. Despite this, the benefits of providing such services are significant for the academic library's clientele, its staff, and the Internet community overall.
page 121-123
Transcribed by Kirsty A Smith 1996
23 October 1996