As published critics of Hennen's American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR), the authors propose a new ranking system that focuses more transparently on ranking libraries based on their performance. These annual rankings are intended to contribute to self-evaluation and peer comparison, prompt questions about the statistics and how to improve them,…

Describes the historical development of the Canadian Periodical Index and explains the process used in determining subscription rates. (CHC)

Describes three in-house indexes produced at the Texas A&M University Library to facilitate access to energy-related materials, curriculum guides and other educational materials, and reference materials. Production, as well as time and cost factors, are discussed. Recommendations for producing in-house indexes are offered. (10 references) (MES)

Discusses a dilemma facing government documents librarians as a result of the multitude and complexity of presently available indexing aids to government publications: how to provide the library users with the means for understanding sophisticated access tools and enhanced collections. A 13-entry reference list is included. (Author/JL)

Guides librarians on how to assist users studying environmental public policy, and discusses sources under three main headings: environmental interest groups, business and labor, and government. Also examines social science indexes relevant to environmental public policy. A list of sources is appended. (Author/LRW)

The use of online searching by reference librarians to provide actual answers and not just bibliographies or current awareness printouts has the potential to save time and money for the reference department. The quick reference service can actually promote rather than compete with the library's online search service for in depth subject searching.…

This group of papers from the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) comprises six papers presented at the plenary session and two papers from the Bibliographic Control Division of IFLA. Presented at the plenary session were (1) the opening address by the President of IFLA; (2) brief reports from sections and round tables of the…

A library instruction computer game created at Newberry College, South Carolina challenges players' skill at using the "Readers' Guide," and by noting elapsed time needed to create a bibliography of citations on a given topic, encourages an increase in skill. Computer equipment used, illustrative examples, and five references are noted.…

This excerpt from "The CD-ROM Handbook" (Desmarais, Meckler Corp., 1988) describes a variety of CD-ROM products with library applications. Highlights include cataloging services; acquisitions; public access catalogs; reference works; indexes and databases; and names and addresses of 30 vendors connected with the optical publishing…

Discussion of selection of the InfoTrac Expanded Academic Index database of journal citations to add to the online catalog at a university library considers access to full text on microfilm, coverage, differences between CD-ROM and tape versions, pricing, search capabilities, printing, and downloading. Comparisons are made with the UMI Data…

A laserdisc periodical index (InfoTrac) that offers relatively sophisticated search capabilities without librarian assistance or user training is now popular college library research tool. The index database consists of more than half million references to articles and reviews published since 1982 in 1,000 general interest, business, and technical…

Describes public library reference service which allows patrons to type out search instructions on a computer terminal, review and select references, and receive, by high-speed printer, facsimile copy of selected periodical articles. Development of periodicals center at main county library and use of self-coaching SEARCH HELPER system are…

With minimal staff and a small expenditure on software, Lane Memorial Library in Hampton, New Hampshire, created a publicly accessible index to its local newspapers on its Web site. Reference staff members perform the indexing during slow times at the desk using Filemaker Pro software and the indexing guidelines and thesaurus developed in-house.…

CD-ROM indexes have made students independent library users, but librarians feel that students are not using the technology effectively or critically. Discusses the effect of information technology on library instruction and on librarians' roles. Suggests that library services focus on accessing information instead of controlling it--by creating…

Details the three phases the Jack Brause Library Real Estate Periodical Index (New York University) has gone through since it first went to an electronic format. Discusses beginning the electronic database, issues on electronic storage and use, implementing more user-friendly software, and the transition to the Web. (AEF)