ACRL College & Research Libraries News

College & Research Libraries News

In the news

This is an exciting time to be a librarian and an equally important time to be part of ACRL. I am very pleased to be able to contribute my part as editor of C&RL News. The News has been a valuable resource to me from my days as a library student through my time in the profession, and I am committed to continuing to bring our readers the important updates and enlightening articles they have come to expect.

The Web has become one of the primary means of disseminating information in nearly all avenues of life, leading students and other library users to expect more from Web-based services. Many libraries already offer online tutorials to instruct students in the use of library resources. Doug Suarez borrows some concepts from social learning theory and applies them to the use of graphics in tutorials as a way to increase learning and retention (p. 95). Finding effective ways to handle reference e-mail can be trickier than you’d think. Mary Margaret Bell tells us about one archives’ evolving practices that satisfy patrons’ need to know, while easing the strain on staff (p. 99).

At a time when recruiting into the profession is a key issue, it is also important to ensure that current library students get the support they need to productively contribute to the field after graduation. In “Five steps to an effective internship program” (p. 109), Barbara Quarton describes a well-planned and successful program for reference interns that benefits both students and the library.

Take some time to read the statements by ACRL vice-president/president-elect candidates Tyrone H. Cannon and John Popko (p. 124), and be an informed voter this spring.

—Stephanie Orphan Editor-in-chief sorphan@ala.org