Provides a summary of views, or images, of librarians extending back to the 18th century, focusing on academic librarians. Presents traits that comprise these images, sources or origins of the images, groups that hold the images, and why current images are indefinite and blurry. (Author/LRW)

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.…

Provides an introduction to this theme issue by reviewing the status of bibliographic instruction, particularly in academic libraries, over the past decade. Topics include criticism, the need for evaluation, practical and theoretical viewpoints, the need for collaboration, the impact of technology, the need to recognize cultural diversity; and…

Outlines strategies academic librarians can incorporate to develop effective Web-based tools for library instruction. Topics include Web page design; content; technical and copyright issues; usability and evaluation; site maintenance; Web coding tools; and examples from the University at Albany and the Texas Information Literacy Tutorial (TILT) at…

Describes the ways in which cultural factors shape interaction and perceptions in distance education and suggests implications for librarians and other information professionals. Reports an informal analysis of discourse in four university classes that examined text in journal assignments and email communications and considers community and…

Traces the development of reference service in American libraries during the second half of the nineteenth century and examines the evolution of reference service in the Providence Public Library. The article focuses on how the distinctive features of reference service were conceived and merged into the current concept of reference service. (43…

Identifies difficult patron issues in academic libraries from the librarians' perspectives and offers solutions to try and prevent them from becoming problems. Topics include labeling academic library users; eliminating sources of conflict between faculty and library staff; and conflicts between students and library staff. (Author/LRW)

The literature of reference service emphasizes service at the reference desk and overlooks other activities of reference librarians. Self-evaluation studies would enable reference librarians to identify what they do and assign a time and value to each task. Such studies should be the first step in planning and structuring a reference department.…

Discusses approaches to reference services in academic libraries in light of new technologies and emphasizes the need to maintain the personal element, based on experiences at Northeastern State University (Oklahoma). Topics include roving librarians; desktop video conferencing; Internet media and the World Wide Web; and remote users. (LRW)

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…

Discussion of library profession stereotypes focuses on academic male librarians. Topics include the position of the early academic librarians and the environment in which they worked; the beginnings of reference service; women in academic libraries; men in a feminized profession; and current images of male librarians in motion pictures and…

Reports on research that focused on competence and performance of reference libraries in academic libraries in Nigeria. Includes recommendations for improving competence and performance, including the reference process; staffing and other resources; education for reference librarians; knowledge of modern technology; and emotional stability and…

This discussion of the interrelationship between libraries and learning focuses on the development of university libraries. Changing attitudes toward students' involvement in the learning process and expanding curricula are cited as reasons for the growth of university libraries. The professionalization of librarianship and increased participation…

Argues that library services to older adults have historically been weak and summarizes research to support this point of view. An expanded role for libraries as suggested in the American Library Association's guidelines is advocated, and the four guidelines most relevant to reference services to older adults are evaluated. (nine references) (EAM)

Argues that patrons in a publicly supported academic library come from the general community as well as from the university, and include children, adolescents, and business people. The importance of recognizing the needs of various user groups and budgetary and staff limitations are stressed along with setting future priorities. (28 references)…