This essay arguing for retention of sophisticated reference-desk service as separate from library instruction notes brief history of relationship and two fundamental reasons for separation: a "one-shot" lecture could not cover every tool useful for research needs of each individual student; and not all patrons are experiencing library instruction.…

The relation between library instruction and the reference function is explored, noting characteristics and aims of both functions, terminology (bibliographic instruction and library instruction), user attitudes toward library use, correlation of the two services, and purposes of both bibliographic instruction and the reference process. Sixteen…

Discusses several topics related to teaching reference work: (1) a basis for teaching reference; (2) teaching theory; (3) practicing skills; (4) preparing students for the employment marketplace; (5) developing interpersonal skills; (6) bibliographic instruction; and (7) the library environment. (five references) (MES)

Discusses whether librarians should aim to give "answers" (attempt to answer information need) or "clues" (instruct user in use of information sources) when responding to users' questions. Peripheral factors concerning questions (when, how, where, why, what), cost and benefits, and approaches associated with academic library…

Focuses on advantages and disadvantages of centralizing the administration of a bibliographic instruction program in the academic library reference department, noting objectives in administration of such a program; concerns to be addressed prior to deciding who, within organizational structure, administers program; and administration through…

Traces the development of cooperation between reference librarians and catalogers, highlighting cooperative goals, role of the library catalog in meeting informational requirements of patrons, involvement of catalog librarians in library instruction, and patterns of library organization. Future trends are discussed. Twenty sources are given. (EJS)

Addresses the two-fold question concerning imposition of instruction on a library user when he/she only wants answer to information need--whether attempted instruction is infringement on the rights of the user, and whether attempted instruction detracts from the librarian's effectiveness in fulfilling information need. Twenty references are…

Discusses sources of conflict between teaching and nonteaching librarians and identifies theoretical and practical contributions of library instruction to reference service. Arguments against library instruction, library applications of learning theory, improving reference services, conflicts in reference department, and future of library…

Discusses the librarian's intermediary role in the dissemination of information. The user's information-seeking process, reference negotiation, and bibliographic instruction are also considered, and an overview of this theme issue is provided. (LRW)

Discusses four major conflict areas in contemporary librarianship: service versus teaching, resource allocation, the extent of professional autonomy, and the allocation of duties and responsibilities between professionals and support staff. Topics addressed include conflict as a normal part of organizational life and creative responses to…

Discusses first three steps of a general model for use in planning and implementing innovative programs in organizations: identifying problem, forming task force, finding out more about problems. Application and evaluation of model at large academic library to investigate receptivity of faculty to increased teaching activities by librarians is…

Discusses the image and natural dynamics of an individual mode of library instruction in which the reference librarian serves as a role model by showing individual students or classes a searcher in action, working with ideas as well as index terms. Twenty-four sources are given. (EJS)

Discusses the public for bibliographic instruction in libraries, what they are learning, who is not being served, and what the implications of that failure are. It is suggested that bibliographic instruction should create a public knowledgeable about the information environment, including its principles, structure, systems, and libraries as…

Discussion of the need for library adult education as a component of public library reference services highlights trends (increase in adult population, technological changes) and their implications (continuing education for librarians), goals of library adult education, importance of instructional objectives, and evaluation. References and a…

Discussion of techniques of response to the reference query from public librarian's point-of-view covers patron's need-motivation; structuring library instruction program (teaching skills related to encyclopedia use, library instruction on special subjects-health); and assisting patron in gathering materials on-site and through use of…