The reasons for the widespread nonuse of libraries are explored and methods for overcoming these obstacles are suggested. (10 references) (NH)

Fiscal austerity in libraries has forced some administrators to consider alternatives such as computerized reference services or non-professional staff at the reference desk for reducing the cost of professional reference service. (JAB)

If general librarians conclude that computer-oriented research has no practical application for them, and that they have nothing to contribute to the dialog with the information specialists, they may find that they have lost control of this area of the profession to outsiders." (11 references) (Author)

Describes what is happening concerning developmental information service guidelines published by the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) of the American Library Association (ALA) in 1976 and discusses evaluation guidelines for reference/information services of libraries. (Author/JD)

Discussion of the guidelines which were prepared "to establish a conceptual framework of service" for all libraries by the Standards Committee of the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) of the American Library Association. (JAB)

Describes projects of Oklahoma libraries designed to combat the problem of illiteracy among adults and explains Oklahoma Image, a humanities effort aimed at attracting out-of-school adults to public libraries by focusing on the state's multicultural heritage. Column also reports adult service news from other states. (JD)

This report includes an account of the RASD program of the American Library Association at the 1979 Dallas Conference with an annotated bibliography on guidelines for information services, and a questionnaire distributed at the RASD Business Reference Services Committee meeting at Dallas, with tabulated results. (JD)

Good reference librarians need to be good interviewers. Unfortunately most librarians have not learned to use the technique of open questions to obtain information about the user and what he is looking for. Examples of open and closed questions with typical responses are given. (4 references) (DH)

The question presented is whether a teletype service answering reference questions, verifying bibliographic citations, and referring certain questions to other agencies and institutions could be effectively provided for public and college library systems in Iowa by students in an advanced reference course in the School of Library Science. (8…

This 28-item annotated bibliography for establishing a local history collection which was compiled for the Reference and Adult Services Division, History Section, Local History Committee of the American Library Association, lists recommended background readings, technical assistance aids, and selected case studies. (EJS)

This section contains: A Librarians Teaching Experience--Some Reflections,'' Undergraduate Reference Aids,'' Politics of Press Proliferation,'' Local History Organized,'' Readex Microprint and the GPO,'' Teasdal-Rossett, Ghost,'' Hospital Reference Service,'' Service to the Spanish Speaking,'' The Oral History Program,'' An Overview of…

Examines current activity, potential additional services, and major problems in the use of cable television systems by libraries. (PF)

Argues for the creation of a genealogy and history file in libraries, using the Bristol (Virginia-Tennessee) Public Library experience. As an extension of the library's collection, the file also provides access to the private collections of participants and offers users a means of obtaining selective information quickly and inexpensively. (JD)

Uses several examples of "adult services" as they exist in libraries today in an effort to define the term. Programs and services described include cultural activities, business services, special language/information services for various ethnic groups, services for the institutionalized, handicapped, and geographically isolated, and…

Reviews the current dynamic nature of library service to the disabled and institutionalized, emphasizing that the concept underlying the provision of special materials, facilities, and programs for such persons is not essentially different from that which underlies service to other adults: the librarian's role is to serve as intermediary between…