Archived Information

Access for All: A New National Library for Tomorrow's Learners - February 1997

Assistance Recommendations

Assistance is defined by the Task Force as enabling library users to learn how to use electronic and print information tools, to obtain effective and responsive reference services, and to use and state-of-the-art technology.

User Support and Facilitation

  1. The National Library of Education should endeavor to assist users in gaining the means to exploit the resources and services of a virtual library, and should assist its network partners to do this as well. Such technical assistance may be provided by

    • Operating an assistance program, in conjunction with its outreach and resource sharing programs, to provide funding, other resources, and advice to users and user groups seeking to improve their access to and management of electronic information;

    • Providing training and professional development assistance for education and information professionals, including enabling practitioners to come to the National Library of Education or to cooperating partners in the U.S. Education Information Network; and

    • Emphasizing, through these technical assistance activities, the improvement of user access to electronic information resources.

Examples of Assistance:
  • Video packages;

  • Regional and local user training.

  1. User support and facilitation activities should be planned in collaboration with the U.S. Education Information Network to achieve maximum return for each investment and make use of the resources and capabilities spread across the nation.

Information Services

  1. National Library of Education information services should be linked in a seamless web that provides users with a true one-stop shopping environment.

  2. The National Library of Education should work with its contractors, other U.S. Department of Education offices, and external partners to identify, organize, and implement a network of subject experts to handle user requests in order to manage the information workload, avoid duplication, achieve the highest possible quality of service, and realize greater efficiency and customer satisfaction.

  3. The information services of the National Library of Education should continuously compile information on user requests; stay abreast of the latest developments in education research, practice, and policy in order to anticipate and respond to user needs; recommend appropriate services and collection acquisitions; and cooperate with network partners in providing effective user assistance.

  4. The National Library of Education should assert bibliographic control over all the information products of the U.S. Department of Education, including records relating to the history and functioning of the Department, and ensure that this information is made available to users nationwide in all formats and through its contractors and partners.

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