| Departments Newsline
 Newsline is compiled by Kathie Felix
 
 
 Knowledge Strategies Published  TFPL, Ltd. and Dialog announced the publication of 
                          "Joined-up Knowledge Strategies," the executive report 
                          of TFPL's chief knowledge officer's summit for the public 
                          sector that took place in April. The report considers 
                          the implications of legislative requirements relating 
                          to information and data for the public sector and concludes 
                          that, with good planning and collaboration, the requirements 
                          can be met and, in doing so, valuable enterprise-wide 
                          approaches to knowledge and information management can 
                          be developed. The report is available in printed format 
                          or as a PDF download free of charge from http://www.tfpl.com/resources/tfpl_reports.cfm. 
                          Source: TFPL, Ltd., London, 0-11-44-207-251-5522; 
                          http://www.tfpl.com.   Enterprise Documents & Records Management 
                          Europe Launched  The organizers of the Online Information and Content 
                          Management Europe (CME) exhibitions and conference announced 
                          that Enterprise Document & Records Management Europe 
                          (EDRM Europe) will run during the 2004 conference at 
                          Olympia, London, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. The new event, 
                          designed to help organizations manage data more efficiently, 
                          was created as an extension of the Online Information 
                          show in response to audience polling.   Source: VNU Exhibitions Europe, London, 011-44-207-316-9000; 
                          http://www.vnuexhibitions.co.uk.   E-Motive Provides Dot Matrix Elevator Technology 
                         E-Motive announced the availability of a full range 
                          of elevator display solutions, from simple LED position 
                          indicators to advanced audio/video LCD displays. The 
                          company provides custom elevator panels, including panels 
                          that can be used as Dewey Decimal directories in elevators, 
                          as well as standard displays for elevator cars and landings. 
                          Source: E-Motive USA, Hauppauge, NY, 877/366-8483; 
                          http://www.emotiveusa.com.   OCLC and MCLS Combine QuestionPoint and 24/7 Reference 
                         OCLC and the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System 
                          (MCLS) have announced an agreement to combine QuestionPoint 
                          and 24/7 Reference to create a suite of virtual reference 
                          tools. This combination will build on the unique benefits 
                          and features of each servicesuch as reference 
                          management and the Global Reference Network offered 
                          by QuestionPoint and the cooperative reference coverage 
                          of 24/7 Reference. QuestionPoint, developed by OCLC 
                          and the Library of Congress, offers a searchable, global 
                          knowledgebase that has grown to more than 7,000 active 
                          question and answer pairs. 24/7 Reference, developed 
                          by MCLS in Southern California, allows library patrons 
                          to ask questions and get answers from qualified reference 
                          staff in real time on the Internet. Both QuestionPoint 
                          and 24/7 Reference libraries will continue to receive 
                          service under terms of their current contracts.   Source: OCLC, Dublin, OH, 800/848-5878; http://www.oclc.org.  USEFUL TOOLS  Russ Bassett Offers ProMedia Storage System 
                         Russ Bassett announced the availability of the ProMedia 
                          media storage systems, designed to optimize floor space 
                          while providing added media organization. The line offers 
                          the Gemtrac design and accepts all industry-standard 
                          media, including CDs, DVDs, and all types of magnetic 
                          tapes (VHS, Beta, D2, DVC Pro, DV-Cam, and DVC-Pro). 
                          More than 12,000 CDs can be stored within 25 square 
                          feet of space. The products include cabinets, adjustable 
                          shelving, and Slidetrac in-line rolling shelving for 
                          high-capacity filing in shallow depth areas.   Source: Russ Bassett Corp., Whittier, CA, 800/350-2445; 
                          http://www.russbassett.com.
  Sima Introduces GoDVD!  Sima Products Corp. announced the launch of the GoDVD! 
                          product line, a digital video enhancer that helps libraries 
                          protect their microfiche and VHS collections. The GoDVD! 
                          unit, connected between any playback sourceVCR, 
                          camcorder, or DVD playerand a DVD recorder, restores 
                          and transfers old videos to the DVD format. The unit 
                          also can be used to back up copies of original DVDs. 
                          The GoDVD! unit stabilizes video signals, reduces video-sync 
                          noise, and is compatible with S-VHS, VHS-C, VHS, 8mm, 
                          and DVD. The unit contains four signal-enhancement output 
                          modesNormal, Enhanced, Darker, and Black/Whiteand 
                          has the ability to support both U.S. (NTSC) and International 
                          (PAL) video formats. The manufacturer's suggested retail 
                          price is $129.95.   Thomson ISI ResearchSoft Releases EndNote 8 for 
                          Windows  Thomson ISI ResearchSoft announced the release of 
                          an upgrade to Endnote, the company's bibliographic management 
                          software. EndNote 8 offers Unicode support for any language, 
                          allowing researchers to cite references and create bibliographies 
                          in any language. Additional new features enable users 
                          to create EndNote libraries of unlimited size and enter 
                          long abstracts and notes (50 KB or approximately 10 
                          pages of text in each). New reference types (including 
                          Electronic Book, Electronic Journal, and Online Database) 
                          and fields (such as Link to PDF, Electronic Resource 
                          Number, and Last Modified Date) are also featured. EndNote 
                          8 users can move an EndNote library to any hand-held 
                          device running Palm OS 4.15.x. Designed for Windows 
                          2000 and XP, the list price is $330.   Source: Thomson ISI ResearchSoft, Carlsbad, CA, 760/438-5526; 
                          http://www.isiresearchsoft.com.   ProQuest Updates ProQuest Online Info Service 
                         ProQuest announced the release of the latest version 
                          of the ProQuest Information Service. The new release 
                          includes ProQuest Smart Search query analysis for help 
                          in finding more and better results, enhanced e-mail 
                          capabilities that allow users to track their results 
                          and share them with colleagues, and advanced browsing 
                          for better access to non-periodical content. Enhancements 
                          to ProQuest CrossLinks allow users to link from their 
                          results list into a link-resolver service to view full-text 
                          articles from internal library holdings or accessible 
                          external resources. A demonstration of the new interface 
                          and descriptions and guides to its features are available 
                          on the ProQuest Web site.   Source: ProQuest Information and Learning, Ann Arbor, 
                          MI, 800/521-0600; http://www.il.proquest.com.   Source: Sima Products Corp., Oakmont, PA, 800/345-7462; 
                          http://www.simacorp.com.  NEW/ENHANCED DATABASES  New SAGE Full-Text Collections Added  SAGE Publications and Cambridge Scientific Abstracts 
                          (CSA) announced the addition of four new collections 
                          to the SAGE Full-Text CollectionsManagement & 
                          Organization Studies, Materials Science, Nursing & 
                          Health Research, and Urban Studies & Planning. With 
                          the addition of this material, SAGE Full-Text Collections 
                          offers a total of 10 discipline-specific, full-text 
                          databases, providing a total of 225 journals and more 
                          than 73,000 articles.   Source: SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA, 800/818-7243; 
                          http://www.sagepublications.com.  EBSCOhost Offers PAIS International 
                         EBSCO Publishing announced that the PAIS International 
                          database has been added to EBSCOhost. Produced 
                          by the OCLC Public Affairs Information Service, PAIS 
                          International includes references to more than 530,000 
                          journal articles, books, government documents, statistical 
                          directories, gray literature, research reports, policy 
                          papers, Internet documents, Web sites, conference reports, 
                          and other sources from more than 120 countries. The 
                          database covers topics such as affirmative action, AIDS, 
                          climate change, environmental degradation, and war and 
                          conflict.   Source: EBSCO Publishing, Ipswich, MA, 800/653-2726; 
                          http://www.ebsco.com.
  New Thomson Gale Science Database Correlates Content 
                         Thomson Gale announced the launch of Science Resource 
                          Center, a new science database with content directly 
                          correlated to national and state science curriculum 
                          standards. The database includes three core proprietary 
                          references from Thomson GaleGale Encyclopedia 
                          of Science, Macmillan Science Library, and UXL Encyclopedia 
                          of Scienceas well as 40 additional proprietary 
                          reference titles. Also included are links to full-text 
                          science magazines and journals, multimedia records, 
                          and Web sites.   Source: Thomson Gale, Farmington Hills, MI, 800/877-4253; 
                          http://www.gale.com.   Westlaw Adds State Legislative History  Thomson West announced the addition of new legislative 
                          history content to Westlaw for California, Connecticut, 
                          Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, 
                          New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. 
                          The new materials include committee reports, House and 
                          Senate journals, bill summaries, legislative research 
                          reports, and approval and veto messages (content varies 
                          by jurisdiction). New legislative history search pages 
                          are accessible from the Legislative History State page 
                          by clicking on a particular state. Users can search 
                          a single source or multiple sources for legislative 
                          intent on statutes.   Source: Thomson West, Eagan, MN, 800/733-2889; http://west.thomson.com. 
                          Thomson Gale Expands Gale Virtual Reference Library 
                         Thomson Gale announced the addition of new content 
                          to the Gale Virtual Reference Library platform. The 
                          additional titles are UXL Encyclopedia of Science; UXL 
                          Encyclopedia of World Biography; American Inaugurals: 
                          The Speeches, The Presidents, and Their Times; Encyclopedia 
                          of the American Constitution; Harlem Renaissance; Junior 
                          Worldmark Encyclopedia of World Holidays; and Contemporary 
                          Theatre, Film & TV (volume 55). Also included are 
                          two titles from John Wiley & SonsEncyclopedia 
                          of Aquaculture and Encyclopedia of Ethical, Legal and 
                          Policy Issues in Biotechnology.   Source: Thomson Gale, Farmington Hills, MI, 800/877-4253; 
                          http://www.gale.com.   Dialog Launches MetalBase  Dialog announced the release of MetalBase, a new database 
                          developed for the global metals industry. MetalBase 
                          (File 36) is accessible through Dialog-branded services 
                          that aggregate literature drawn internationally from 
                          publications and proceedings focused on the metals and 
                          allied industries, including aluminum, steel, and iron. 
                          The content includes articles and reports from specialized 
                          trade publications, books and monographs, conference 
                          and meeting proceedings, journal articles, and patent 
                          documents. Dialog produced the new database by culling 
                          metals-related materials from two other databases available 
                          on its servicesINSPEC (File 2) and Weldasearch 
                          (File 25).   Source: The Dialog Corporation, Cary, NC, 800/334-2564; 
                          http://www.dialog.com.   FindLaw Releases Legal Record  FindLaw announced the launch of Thomson Legal Record, 
                          a resource designed to help in-house corporate attorneys 
                          make decisions when hiring outside counsel. The Thomson 
                          Legal Record enables users to research and verify an 
                          attorney's real-world litigation experience by combining 
                          a high-level view of an attorney's litigation history 
                          drawn from Westlaw with an attorney's West Legal Directory 
                          profile and published articles on FindLaw.com.   Source: Thomson/FindLaw, Eagan, MN, 800/455-4565; 
                          http://www.findlaw.com.   Dialog Newsroom Adds International News Dialog announced that it has added in-depth news covering 
                          Europe and hard-to-monitor countries to its Dialog Newsroom 
                          service. Recent content additions include news reports 
                          culled from local media based in countries such as China, 
                          Cuba, India, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, and Serbia. 
                          The reports are translated into English and made available 
                          through World News Connection, a service distributed 
                          by Dialog with information compiled daily by the U.S. 
                          government's Foreign Broadcast Information Service and 
                          published by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National 
                          Technical Information Service. Also offered are five 
                          news wires from ANSA, an Italian news agency; daily 
                          news reports from the EUobserver, a newsletter publisher 
                          and online service covering European affairs; and 75100 
                          articles added daily from Economist Intelligence Unit: 
                          ViewsWire, a business intelligence service covering 
                          more than 180 countries.   Source: The Dialog Corporation, Cary, NC, 800/334-2564; 
                          http://www.dialog.com.
  YOUR DIGITAL LIBRARY  ALPSP Learned Journals Collection Grows  Swets Information Services announced that the ALPSP 
                          Learned Journals Collection (ALJC) in partnership with 
                          Swets has expanded for its second year and now offers 
                          a range of 430 titles from 44 diverse international 
                          publishers. The ALJC enables small- and medium-sized 
                          publishers to package their journals under a single 
                          umbrella license, pricing model, and delivery platformoffering 
                          libraries the benefit of a single negotiation. Detailed 
                          pricing and license information is available on the 
                          ALJC Web site (http://www.alpsp-collection.org).   Source: Swets Information Services, Lisse, Netherlands, 
                          011-31-252-435-584; http://www.swets.com.   U-M Makes 19th-Century Books Available  The University of Michigan announced that the Scholarly
                           Publishing Office of the University of Michigan University
                          
                          Library has joined with Lightning Source, Inc. to bring
                           high-quality, hardbound reprints of 19th-century books
                          
                          to libraries and booksellers using print-on-demand
                          technology.  The volumes are produced from digital
                          images created 
                          through the university library's preservation reformatting
                           program. The digital reformatting process results
                          in 
                          an electronic version of the text that can be accessed
                           online and can also be used to create the new print
                          
                          copies. Nearly 10,000 titles in the Making of America
                           collection (http://moa.umdl.umich.edu)
                          and the University of Michigan Historical Mathematics
                          collection (http://www.hti.umich.edu/u/umhistmath)
                           are available in the print or online versions.                          Source: University of Michigan Library/Scholarly Publishing 
                          Office, Ann Arbor, MI, 734/764-1817; http://spo.umdl.umich.edu. 
                          GeoScience World Builds New Portal  GeoScience World announced that it is developing a 
                          comprehensive online resource for journals in the earth 
                          sciences. The GeoScience World portal will be developed 
                          and hosted by Stanford University's electronic journals 
                          service, HighWire Press. The initial collection will 
                          incorporate titles from 22 leading societies and institutes 
                          from six countries, including the seven founding organizationsAmerican 
                          Association of Petroleum Geologists, American Geological 
                          Institute, Geological Society of America, Geological 
                          Society of London, Mineralogical Society of America, 
                          Society for Sedimentary Geology, and Society of Exploration 
                          Geophysicists.   Source: GeoScience World, Alexandria, VA, 800/865-9765; 
                          http://www.geoscienceworld.org.
  CONTENT/LINKING AGREEMENTS  Swets Provides Gateway to China  Swets Information Services announced that an agreement 
                          with CERNET, the Chinese academic Internet service provider, 
                          will make a large electronic journal selection of EDP 
                          Sciences and IOS Press available to Chinese users via 
                          a rapid broadband connection with SwetsWise Online Content. 
                          The delivery of rapid access is part of Swets' "Gateway 
                          to China" package, which includes sales and marketing 
                          and market intelligence support for publishers targeting 
                          the growing Chinese market.   Source: Swets Information Services, Lisse, Netherlands, 
                          011-31-252-435-584; http://www.swets.com.   WilsonWeb Links to RefWorks  H.W. Wilson announced that WilsonWeb and RefWorks 
                          are now linked. Users of WilsonWeb periodicals research 
                          databases can now use the RefWorks Database and Bibliography 
                          Creator to compile WilsonWeb article references into 
                          Web-accessible personalized databases that can be used 
                          for personal reference, sharing research, or generating 
                          footnotes and bibliographies. WilsonWeb offers more 
                          than 50 periodicals research databases in a variety 
                          of subject areas.   Source: H.W. Wilson, New York, 800/367-6770;http://www.hwwilson.com. 
                          FIZ Karlsruhe Acquires Seven Databases  FIZ Karlsruhe announced the addition of seven CSA 
                          databases to STN International, the sci-tech online 
                          service. The new databases include ANTE, covering new 
                          technologies; the engineering databases CIVILENG and 
                          MECHENG; the environmental databases ENVIROENG, WATER, 
                          and AQUALINE; and the biotech and bioengineering database 
                          BIOENG. With the additional new titles, STN offers a 
                          total of 26 CSA databases.   Source: FIZ Karlsruhe/STN Europe, Karlsruhe, Germany, 
                          011-49-7247-808-555; http://www.fiz-karlsruhe.de.   Reference Universe Includes New Links  Paratext announced that its aggregated reference database, 
                          Reference Universe, now contains links to Oxford Reference 
                          Online, Gale's Virtual Reference Library, and ABC-CLIO 
                          e-books. Users may simultaneously query the content 
                          of their local printed collections as well as these 
                          full-text electronic resources via Reference Universe. 
                          Links to e-sources from Taylor & Francis, Greenwood 
                          Press, CQ Press, and others are in development.   Source: Paratext, LLC, Sterling, VA, 703/318-0285; 
                          http://www.paratext.com.   Collins World Atlas Gazetteer Added to xreferplus 
                         xrefer announced that it has integrated the Collins 
                          World Atlas Gazetteer into its xreferplus subscription 
                          service. The Gazetteer includes 90,000 places and geographic 
                          features, with a 1:5,000,000 scale. With xrefer's cross-referencing 
                          technology, users can move among the atlas entries to 
                          any related entries in the dictionaries, encyclopedias, 
                          and other reference books in xreferplus. Additional 
                          navigational tools enable browsing adjacent areas and 
                          a choice of map sizes.   Source: xrefer, Boston, 877/426-5202; http://www.xrefer.com. 
                          ProQuest ABI/INFORM Offers Scholar Universe Profiles 
                         Proquest Information and Learning announced that it 
                          has licensed information from the Scholar Universe collection 
                          of Authority Profiles for the ABI/INFORM business database 
                          suite. The program will launch with approximately 40,000 
                          author profiles and 3,000 institutional profiles. Author 
                          profiles typically contain name, affiliation, most current 
                          contact information, personal Web page, research interests, 
                          and publication list. Institution profiles include universities 
                          and their schools of business, as well as departments 
                          such as economics, political science, law, and public 
                          affairs. Institutional profiles generally include name, 
                          address, Web page, and e-mail address.   Source: ProQuest Information and Learning, Ann Arbor, 
                          MI, 800/521-0600; http://www.il.proquest.com.   SwetsWise Online Content Signs New Publishers 
                         Swets Information Services announced that seven new 
                          publishers have been added to SwetsWise Online Content. 
                          The new publishers are Akadémiai Kiadó 
                          (Hungary), the American Institute of Biological Sciences 
                          (U.S.), American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. (U.S.), 
                          Commonwealth Forestry Commission (U.K.), Equinox Publishing, 
                          Ltd. (U.K.), Pharmaceutical Press (U.K.), and Vieweg 
                          Verlag-GWV Fachverlage (Germany). SwetsWise now carries 
                          a total of 8,325 full-text e-journals from 309 publishers, 
                          including more than 90 percent of the top STM publishers. 
                          Source: Swets Information Services, Lisse, Netherlands, 
                          011-31-252-435-584; http://www.swets.com.  AUTOMATION AIDS  LVN Debuts "RFID in Libraries"  Library Video Network announced the release of its 
                          video "RFID in Libraries." The 35-minute program reviews 
                          the basics of RFID technology and visits Baltimore County 
                          (Md.) Public Library and Haverstraw King's Daughters 
                          Public Library in Haverstraw, N.Y., to see how each 
                          is implementing RFID. Managers from both libraries discuss 
                          their experiences with RFID and provide tips for librarians 
                          considering it. Technology consultant David Dorman also 
                          offers his perspectives. "RFID in Libraries" is available 
                          in DVD or VHS format for $75 and may be ordered online 
                          at http://www.lvn.org. You may also place your order 
                          by calling 800/441-TAPE or by mailing it to Library 
                          Video Network, 320 York Rd., Towson, MD 21204.   Source: Library Video Network, Towson, MD, 410/887-2082; 
                          http://www.lvn.org.   Dynix Horizon Links to Lighthouse!  Dynix announced that customers using the Horizon Information 
                          Management System will have integrated access to Lighthouse!, 
                          the newest collection development companion from United 
                          Library Services (ULS). Lighthouse! offers real-time 
                          communication with Horizon through the W3C-approved 
                          Vendor Integration Protocol (VIP) from Dynix. VIP allows 
                          Dynix customers to send an ISBN inquiry directly to 
                          Lighthouse! to determine title availability and to transfer 
                          bibliographic and pricing information to an acquisitions 
                          purchase order line record in Horizon.   Source: Dynix, Provo, UT, 800/288-8020; http://www.dynix.com. 
                          Cuadra Associates Launches STAR/Archives 2.0 
                         Cuadra Associates, Inc. announced the release of a 
                          new version of its archives collection management system, 
                          STAR/Archives. The new edition, version 2.0, features 
                          browser-based retrieval across collections and allows 
                          for dynamic generation of finding aids from within the 
                          public access catalog. The new system simplifies catalog 
                          creation, developing and maintaining finding aids, and 
                          providing public access to collections.   Source: Cuadra Associates, Inc., Los Angeles, 800/366-1390; 
                          http://www.cuadra.com.   Ex Libris Releases ALEPH 500  The Ex Libris Group announced the release of the ALEPH 
                          500 Reporting Center (ARC). The ARC plug-in module is 
                          a Web-based reporting, querying, and statistical generation 
                          environment based on information contained within the 
                          ALEPH system. ARC includes a selection of standard pre-defined 
                          reports and statistics that can be customized using 
                          a desktop Web client and saved for future library use. 
                          All saved reports can be shared across the library, 
                          consortium, or other institutions running ALEPH 500. 
                          Source: Ex Libris (USA), Boston, 866/232-0202; http://www.exlibris-usa.com. 
                          Checkpoint Unveils New Products  Checkpoint announced the release of two new productsCheckPASS 
                          and Intelligent Library System version 2.0as well 
                          as the expansion of its electromagnetic product line 
                          for libraries.   CheckPASS, a complete library resource management 
                          system, automates functions such as scheduling computer 
                          time for patrons, managing patron printing and copying 
                          costs, and collecting fees and fines for overdue books. 
                          CheckPASS can be purchased as a stand-alone system or 
                          as part of Checkpoint's Intelligent Library System. 
                          Patrons use their library cards to check out materials, 
                          reserve computers, and request or pay for photocopies 
                          or computer printouts. CheckPASS operates on Citrix, 
                          Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Novell Networks.   Intelligent Library System (ILS) 2.0 upgrades the 
                          collection management and security tool for libraries 
                          with several new features. A more efficient conversion 
                          system uses a non-contact Circulation Circuit station 
                          capable of tagging more than 200 items per hour. The 
                          ILS Staff Assist Self-Checkout enables one staff member 
                          to monitor several Patron Self-Checkouts from a single 
                          workstation, without extra hardware. The Patron Self-Checkout 
                          Station offers prompts and messages in up to six languages. 
                          A Patron Self-Checkout kiosk is also available in a 
                          variety of finishes.   Checkpoint has expanded its electromagnetic product 
                          line with its Patron Self-Checkout Station and new anti-theft 
                          sensors. The self-checkout station includes animated 
                          prompts in a variety of languages and security deactivation 
                          that automatically detects the media type and applies 
                          the appropriate level of power, making it safe for the 
                          deactivation of all materials, including multimedia. 
                          The anti-theft sensors are compatible with all popular 
                          circulation system software, accommodate all types of 
                          security strips, and can be used with any library materials. 
                          The sensors can be combined to secure exits up to 30 
                          feet wide or to protect up to 10 aisles at one time. 
                          Source: Checkpoint Systems, Inc., Thorofare, NJ, 800/257-5540; 
                          http://www.checkpointsystems.com.  NEW BOOKS  Neal-Schuman Publishers Offers Three New Books 
                         Neal-Schuman Publishers released three new books: 
                          Metadata for Information Management and Retrieval, 
                          Project Management: Tools and Techniques for Today's 
                          ILS Professional, and Libraries Without Walls 
                          5: The Distributed Delivery of Library and Information 
                          Services.    Metadata for Information Management and Retrieval 
                          by David Haynes (ISBN: 1-85604-489-0, 186 p., $75), 
                          shows how metadata can be used to describe the content, 
                          format, or attributes of a highly structured or unstructured 
                          record or resource. The book outlines the benefits of 
                          this concept, including improved description, retrieval, 
                          management, ownership, authentication, and interoperability. 
                          Haynes reveals the relationship of metadata to XML, 
                          Resource Description Framework (RDF), and data encoding. 
                          The text examines related schema and standards, including 
                          Dublin Core, MARC, DOIs, and ONIX, and includes tables 
                          and diagrams, source codes, record extracts, screen 
                          shots, and other illustrations.   Project Management: Tools and Techniques for Today's 
                          ILS Professional by Barbara Allan (ISBN: 1-85604-504-8, 
                          192 p., $75) examines effective strategies that librarians 
                          can use to handle large- and small-scale projects, including 
                          implementing new systems, setting up portals and digital 
                          libraries, conducting customer surveys, and coordinating 
                          with local, regional, national, and international consortia. 
                          Allan advises readers on project life cycles, planning, 
                          implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. A special 
                          chapter explores technologysoftware, instant messaging, 
                          chat rooms, and Web sitesto increase efficiency 
                          and enhance performance.   Libraries Without Walls 5: The Distributed Delivery 
                          of Library and Information Services edited by Peter 
                          Brophy, Shelagh Fisher, and Jenny Craven (ISBN: 1-85604-511-0, 
                          270 p., $125) draws its content from the fifth Libraries 
                          Without Walls Conference. This volume focuses on the 
                          key strategic issues arising from international, regional, 
                          and collaborative approaches to distance library service. 
                          Chapters cover the integration of library services and 
                          virtual learning environments; the relationship between 
                          user needs, information skills, and information literacy; 
                          usability and accessibility of digital library services; 
                          designing the information environment from national 
                          and institutional perspectives; the creation of digital 
                          resources by user communities; and more.   Source: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc., New York, 212/925-8650; 
                          http://www.neal-schuman.com.   Maneuvering Through Metadata   Metadata in Practice, edited by Diane I. Hillmann 
                          and Elaine L. Westbrooks (ISBN: 0-8389-0882-9, 304 p., 
                          $50, ALA members $45), presents a collection of reports 
                          from the field that examine digital library projects 
                          in terms of successful solutions, things to avoid, and 
                          ways to proceed amid constant change. Part one illustrates 
                          projects serving teachers, universities, Canadian educators, 
                          statewide collaborations, and geographical information. 
                          Part two addresses future trends.   Source: ALA Editions, Chicago, 312/280-1537; http://www.ala.org/editions. 
                          Honing Virtual Reference Skills   ALA released Virtual Reference Training: The Complete 
                          Guide to Providing Anytime, Anywhere Answers (ISBN: 
                          0-8389-0876-4, 168 p., $42, ALA members $37.80) by Buff 
                          Hirko and Mary Bucher Ross. The manual provides techniques 
                          refined through the Washington State Library's Statewide 
                          Virtual Reference Project to help train library staff 
                          in honing 14 virtual reference service (VRS) core competencies. 
                          Its exercises are designed to develop VRS capabilities 
                          such as chat and e-mail skills and etiquette, collaborative 
                          browsing with patrons, Windows-based multitasking, keyboard 
                          commands and shortcuts, and technical troubleshooting. 
                          The guide includes nine appendixes that reinforce skills 
                          development via assessment tools, virtual field trip 
                          reports, secret patron scenarios, and edited transcripts 
                          illustrating both good and bad librarian/patron interactions 
                          during actual university and public library VRS transactions. 
                          Source: ALA Editions, Chicago, 312/280-1537; http://www.ala.org/editions. 
                          Using Electronic Resources Wisely  The Changing Landscape for Electronic Resources: 
                          Content, Access, Delivery, and Legal Issues, edited 
                          by Yem S. Fong and Suzanne M. Ward (ISBN: 0-7890-2441-1, 
                          136 p., $49.95 for hardback and $29.95 for softcover), 
                          focuses on the effects and challenges of providing electronic 
                          resources for libraries. The book examines the experience 
                          of applying electronic resources to interlibrary loan 
                          systems, copyright and licensing, open source software, 
                          international data standards, scholarly publishing, 
                          and more.   Source: The Haworth Press, Inc., Binghamton, NY, 800/429-6784; 
                          http://www.haworthpressinc.com.
   
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