Robert E. Dugan

Outcomes assessment: not synonymous with inputs and outputs

Abstract This article presents a rationale for the use of outcomes assessment and different perspectives on assessment, and it shows that the profession needs to develop strategies for moving across those perspectives. Too often, librarians assume that the measures collected do so; in fact, they do not.

Distance education: Provider and victim libraries

Distance education can provide quite a challenge to academic libraries and their management. There are two sides to this issue: that of the academic library whose institution is responsible for the distance education program and the not affiliated with the distance education program library whose services are requested by students of a distance education program

Interactive online instruction for library research : The small academic library experience

Abstract Learning is not an electronic process. Technology has become so imbedded in library services that few college students have a memory of a pre-electronic database world of research. Nonetheless, most users experience frustration in trying to negotiate resources or retrieve focused, useful information. Technology and its partner, information literacy, equip students with the tools needed for a proactive role in their own education and for lifelong learning. Independent learners must master the ability to access, evaluate, organize, and present information from all types of sources existing in today’s information-rich society. Yet, the technological and electronic options available are overwhelming, and true information literacy goes beyond a mere knowledge of software and specific interfaces. Without professional instruction users are left in a maze unable to manage the deluge of electronic options or to evaluate the flood of information retrieved

The depository library program in the 21st century: The issue is one of which services to offer

There has been extensive discussion of the depository library program administered by the US Governement Printing Office (GPO) becoming, by the early 21st century, an electronic depository program. Both Congress and the GPO support change. The purpose of this essay is to assess the climate of change, raise key issues missing from the national and local discussion, and encourage greater focus on services and less attention to visions of structural change

Making it happen in a depository library: Those pesky CD-ROMs

Abstract CD-ROMs, when first distributed through the Government Printing Offices depository library program, overwhelmed the Government Documents/ Microforms Department of Georgetown Universitys Lauinger Library. In an effort to incorporate the format into public services, library administration committed substantial resources to overcome technical and financial barriers, and the depository adopted a strategy of accomplishing one activity at a time. Confidence increased, and staffs comfort and experiences with electronic products led to experimenting with automated information technologies. Two lessons were learned—providing public access to electronic information requires perseverance and a determined willingness to commit resources; and, success breeds success.

Internet2: Separate and unequal

Abstract Internet2 will not be an immediate solution to existing problems of the Internet for most higher education institutions. It will not solve the problem of slow connections on a typical fall afternoon day. In fact, Internet2 members will still depend upon the existing Internet for much of their packet delivery, at least for a few more years. While the Internet2 Project is elitist, its goals are worthy—to develop meaningful applications for a next-generation of Internet which will be shared with those currently limited to using the public, global Internet. There are the questions of if, and when, the high-speed differentiated network and quality of service capabilities of Abilene and/or the vBNS will reach user desktops. Additionally, when will faculty incorporate Internet2-developed applications in their classrooms? Furthermore, do not expect the Internet2 members to willingly expand access to their high-speed networks—they have learned from the past. As in the 1980s and 1990s, it may become necessary for the federal government to assume the role of catalyst to increase access to these high-speed networks. Timing will be a critical issue. How long will it take to migrate applications developed by Internet2 to the existing Internet? The longer it takes to deploy meaningful and useful applications to the existing Internet, and the longer it takes for other higher education institutions to gain access to these high-speed networks, the more persuasive the perception of the Internet2 Project as elitist, separate, and unequal. 40

The US government and E-government: Two steps forward, one step backwards?

E-government involves the use of technology for the betterment of government and for making government more responsive to the governed. However, as practiced, some barriers complicate the achievement of this goal. This chapter provides an overview of e-government at the US national level; identifies access barriers; proposes a research agenda intended to make e-government more accountable and helpful to the audiences it intends to serve; and discusses the implications of e-government to the library community.

Implications of accountability to depository libraries

Why should depository services receive higher priority than the services of other units? How do depository services fit within the overall customer service plan of each library? And what is each library in a position to do? The issue is not one of compiling a endless set of measures; rather, the purpose is to select those few of greatest importance to both customers and libraries/government agencies

Depository library service expectations and the superintendent of documents, government printing office

The depository library program is one of cooperation between the United States Government Printing Office and member libraries. The GPO oversees the receipt and printing, bibliographic organization. In a broad sense, the agency ensures that the public has access to these collections and services and that the libraries comply with the expectations stated in documentation.