Andrew Co-edits Book

Paige Andrew, maps cataloger and acting head of the Serials Department at the Pennsylvania State University Libraries, recently co-edited Maps and Related Cartographic Materials: Cataloging, Classification and Bibliographic Control, a cartographic materials cataloging work published by The Haworth Press, Inc. The publication, a bound monograph that compiles the two 1999 issues of Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, includes all articles from the two journal issues; a "crosswalk" table between OCLC, MARC 21, and RLIN; and a list of MARC tags for cartographic materials. This comprehensive work features several "how to" articles on cataloging sheet maps, globes, and other cartographic items; articles on retrospective conversion of map collections, international metadata clearinghouses, classification schemes, subject analysis, and other topics; plus an explanation of how maps are organized and cataloged in archives. Andrew authored two of the articles--one on cataloging contemporary atlases and one on a retrospective conversion survey technique. Andrew is an active member and past chair of SLA's Geography and Maps Division, as well as past president of SLA's Central Pennsylvania Chapter.

LibrarySpot.com Named Best Reference Web Site in Forbes' Best of the Web Guide

LibrarySpot.com, the award winning vertical information portal of the best library and reference on the web, was one of thirty-three web sites selected by Forbes' magazine as a "Forbes' Favorite" web site in the publication's new Best of the Web guide. In the venerable company of sites such as ESPN.com, CNET.com, and Yahoo Finance, LibrarySpot.com was selected as the "best of the best" in the reference category. LibrarySpot.com is an award winning 24-hour virtual library resource center for educators and students, information professionals, librarians and their patrons, businessess and just about anyone exploring the web for valuable research information. LibrarySpot.com simplifies the search for top-notch reference tools, periodicals and online texts, library information, encyclopedias and much more.

21northmain.com Launches

A new company focused on meeting the needs of librarians at the nation's colleges and universities for used, rare, out-of-print and antiquarian books, is opened for business at 21northmain.com. The site includes the inventories of more than 2,500 used-book dealers nationwide, for a total online inventory of more than ten million titles. The site has been tested at leading institutions including the University of Minnesota, University of Illinois, Cornell University, Yale University, Emory University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Dartmouth College. "After working closely with librarians at leading institutions to develop the tools, we're confident that we are in the best position to be the premier source of used-books for college and university librarians," said Chairman and Founder, Ken Dzugan. "As the only online used-book marketplace focused exclusively on the institutional market, we have library science knowledge, superb customer service, and an unmatched book inventory drawn from the world's largest network of independent dealers."

Seekmedia.com Announces Library Services

SeekMEDIA.com is helping libraries benefit from Internet technology with two new services: a special library discount program allowing libraries to purchase books online at discounted prices, and the "Book Browser," an onsite kiosk which allows library patrons to buy books and receive timely information about the book world. Library personnel may choose from a wide range of reference texts and educational volumes along with new releases, audio books and self-published works that are not available through major distributors. New orders may easily be placed online, and in the near future, records of past orders will also be accessible online. Libraries receive an additional seven percent discount off the already low prices offered by SeekMEDIA.com's Internet bookstore, SeekBOOKS.com. Standard shipping is free on all orders whether purchasing one book or hundreds of titles. The company is also developing a special library services section on it's SeekBOOKS.com Internet bookstore web site. Library personnel may sign-up to preview and test the new section before it is officially released, or receive detailed information about SeekMEDIA.com's library services by contacting Frank Nichols by phone at 1-941-358-7200 ext. 205, or by e-mail at frankn@seekbooks.com.

Update on the Proposed Closure of the NTIS

The U.S. National Commission of Libraries and Information Science www.nclis.gov has produced a report to Congress on the proposed closure of National Technical Information Service (NTIS). SLA supports the overall findings of the report, which calls for careful consideration of the agency's role in preservation and dissemination of scientific and technical information. Officials in Congress apparently are seeking more detailed information on the exact costs of fulfilling NTIS's mission to the public, so that alternatives for the short-term may be considered. Ultimately, though, Congress must look at the long-range issues of access to government information across the spectrum, since NTIS is only a portion of this universe. If you'd like to become involved more directly in the consultative process with Congress, we need your help! Contact John Crosby at SLA International Headquarters at 1-202-939-3629 or at john-c@sla.org.

SLA Selects Two New Directors

Washington, D.C., April 4, 2000--SLA is pleased to announce the addition of Charles Robert Pitzer III and Sherry Icenhower to its staff. As director of research, Pitzer will direct the association's research activities that relate to areas of common concern to the profession and the strategic goals of the association. As director of membership marketing, Icenhower will oversee the association's membership development and recruitment activities.

Both managers join the SLA team with considerable experience and expertise. Pitzer once served as the director of research for the International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association in Washington, D.C. He has also served in similar capacities for QS&A Research & Strategy and The Washington Post. He is a graduate of West Virginia University. Icenhower previously served as a marketing consultant for organizations such as American University Inc. and Goldmark International Inc. Prior to that, was marketing manager for the American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C. Icenhower holds a bachelors degree from American University.