Describes a study conducted at Illinois State University that compared the results achieved by library users searching the ERIC database on CD-ROM with the results achieved by individual and teamed skilled intermediaries. Evaluation of library services is discussed, patron search strategies are examined, and strategies for improving patron…

Discusses the role of book reviews in library periodical literature and profiles review writers based on a study of 1,305 reviews published from 1987 to 1989. Information related to sex, occupation, affiliation, and geographic location of the reviewers is provided, and recommendations for further research are given. (34 references) (LRW)

The nature of criminal justice as a discipline and types of statistics it requires are discussed. Also included are descriptions of bibliographic sources of criminal justice statistics literature (criticizing methods used in gathering and presenting data and reporting statistics) and reference sources to primary sources of statistics. Sixteen…

A survey of 113 Texas libraries examined characteristics of reference positions to determine whether there were important similarities and differences between public and academic libraries in the areas of professional qualifications for employment; job skills and responsibilities; work scheduling; benefits; and departmental characteristics. The…

This description of Info Trac, a laser disc periodical reference system, reviews professional reactions to the system and several user studies. Criticisms are discussed to define the role of such systems in research libraries, and data are presented in five tables. (17 references) (MES)

Describes a survey that was conducted at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville library to count and categorize the types of questions coming into the reference department from telephone calls. Informational and directional calls are examined, implications for staffing are considered, and queuing theory is applied. (seven references) (LRW)

This survey of the educational background, professional activities, and work experience of academic business librarians shows that most developed subject expertise from work experience and nondegree courses, that they became business librarians accidentally after general reference or social science work, and that their employers receive very good…

A search of "Library Literature" and "Library and Information Science Abstracts" yielded 49 articles published in the 1980s on librarians' burnout. Content analysis techniques were used to identify relevant factors and variables. Findings indicate stress crosses all types of libraries, appears more prevalent for reference…

Discusses optical disc (CD-ROM and videodisc) reference sources in terms of: (1) databases; (2) system characteristics; (3) end-user searching; (4) education and training requirements; (5) staffing; (6) costs; and (7) funding. Areas for further research are identified and new roles suggested for the librarian in the electronic age. (34 references)…

This five-article section on current issues in reference and adult services highlights origins of American Library Association's Reference and Adult Services Division, history and development of RQ's column "The Exchange," 25 years of adult services articles, documents reference service and changing attitudes of librarians, and library…

Reports results of a 1987 survey designed to determine the educational preparedness and attitudes of academic librarians who participate in bibliographic instruction. Findings are discussed under the following headings: demographics; educational preparation; previous teaching experience; gaining and retaining support for the program; position…

Reference materials used by librarians responding to reference requests and by patrons at the Iowa State University Library were analyzed to determine which subject areas of the collection received greatest use, and whether subject areas and types of materials used by librarians differed from those used by patrons. (19 references) (MES)

This overview of the review literature is designed to assist librarians selecting CD-ROMs, applications software, and online databases. Described are specific directories, periodicals, review sources, and indexes that review electronic technologies. A chart analyzing the features of these sources is included. (EA)

Discussion of public libraries' information and referral services for culturally diverse communities focuses on a study conducted in southern California that examined the information seeking behavior of ethnolinguistic gatekeepers in minority communities. Topics addressed include information and referral models; information sources; the perception…