Considers the interrelationship of the challenges of information overload and outreach and describes a vision of the future mission of information services. The ideas set forth in two recent books on value-added processes in information systems and new priorities for the university are summarized. (28 references) (MES)

Discussion of library reference services and the conflict between richness (complexity) of services and the reach (number of users that can be served) focuses on information technology that is used in electronic commerce and available on the Internet. Discusses changing roles of libraries and networked information environments. (Author/LRW)

Argues that the traditional philosophy of public service has remained relevant and vital to overall library reference service despite information technology and other societal changes. Topics include information and information technology; and economic, political, and social trends as they influence reference librarians and reference service.…

Examines the history of reference services; discusses present trends in reference services; and considers possible future model shifts that will be influenced by the continuing explosion of information technology, the need for high level skills, the need for building partnerships, and the need to clarify reference service philosophies. (Contains…

Argues that as libraries adopt more technology, reference librarians must recognize diverse users and their needs, gauge user knowledge and connectivity, use technological terminology clearly, emphasize critical thinking, stress the existence of print sources, pursue innovative ways of doing reference, and learn new concepts. (PEN)

Explores the future of reference librarianship within the context of the enabling technologies that will chart library development in the 21st century. The article types libraries into categories of "traditional,""automated,""hybrid," and "digital." The typology delineates shifts in human/machine…

Explores library-user infatuation with electronic resources, the rapid growth of electronic resources and their impact on traditional reference services, and reference services in an electronic society. Discusses a survey of 200 academic libraries investigating electronic resources and their impact on library personnel, especially on…

Presents the results of a survey of library schools regarding: (1) the content of basic reference courses; (2) the extent to which electronic retrieval has been integrated into general reference courses; and (3) faculty opinions on the potential impact of electronic retrieval on the role and responsibilities of the reference librarian. (20…

Four articles describe the usefulness of the Internet to reference librarians and discuss Internet search tools: "Getting Started on the Net" (Karen R. Diaz); "Gopher Searching Using VERONICA" (Lousie McGillis); "How to Use VERONICA To Find Information on the Internet" (Jackie Mardikian); and "The Internet…

Examines the current state of cooperative reference services through a review of the literature and interviews with librarians involved in cooperative services. Topics discussed include the need for cooperative reference services; structure, staffing, and funding; the use of communications technology; and factors to consider in planning…

Discusses the research methodologies of humanities scholars and describes a project developed at the University of California at Berkeley that promoted collaboration between reference librarians and humanities faculty to increase faculty awareness of library services and resources. Highlights include new technologies and librarians' integration…

Describes the general situation of information services in rural public libraries in the context of the changing nature of rural America. Highlights include the development of rural communities and libraries; public expectations and information needs; barriers to information access; and examples of successful rural reference services. (Contains 31…

Describes a report (published in 1993) on British university libraries. The report addresses funding problems, the growth in desktop and electronic publishing and resulting archiving and preservation issues, the increased number of university students, the impact of information technology on the transmission and storage of information, and the…

Argues that today's technology supplements traditional means of scholarship and communication. Discusses University of Denver's policy of technology implementation, information technology, interdisciplinarity, changing library environment, information usage and control, and costs. Concludes that future libraries will be defined not by technology…

Examines literature for guiding libraries to develop services that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Presents a case of the University of Alabama Libraries' establishment of a technologies lab to serve the needs of the blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled students; examines problems and efforts to increase staff…