Briefly reviews the current developments in public access catalogs and poses questions for the public service librarian. (FM)

The service that librarians provide to their library patrons is focused upon in the proceedings of this meeting. Daniel Melcher discusses acquisitions as they relate to user service, and then answers questions. The text of a skit depicting interaction between users, librarians and the card catalog is presented. Also included are the questions and…

This interim report provides some guidelines for the bibliographic control of microforms which at the present time is either inadequate or non-existent on a local level within a given library. A literature search and direct inquiry of librarians revealed that adherence to cataloging rules is inconsistent, there is wide variation in microform…

Discusses the role librarians have assumed in the implementation of AACR 2/catalog closing at the Library of Congress (LC), speculates on how AACR 2 will affect public service librarians in patron interactions, and describes LC's plans to inform/instruct/train staff and the public regarding the changes. (Author)

Describes the results of a survey of public service librarians conducted by the Queens Borough Public Library to determine their confidence levels of using electronic resource to answer reference questions. Results demonstrated high confidence levels in using the library's online catalog and lower confidence in using the Internet. (Author/LRW)

Describes the challenge to libraries involved in the development of online catalogs, discusses the revolutionary importance to librarianship of the online catalog, outlines the role of effective planning in implementing online catalogs, and projects some changes that will occur in libraries because of them. (JL)

Discusses the importance of public service for the users of serials collections in large libraries in light of the complexities of serial collection organization. A diagram of the decision points encountered by users dealing with serials collections and tables listing the types of serials records and error problems are included. (JL)

Discusses the definition of an online library catalog; five factors to be considered by the online catalog designer; user-computer communication (error messages, help screens, prompts, unnatural language); online tutorials and offline instruction offered by bibliographic instruction librarians; and the current situation. Nine references are…

Examines the problems of viewing cataloging as an optional skill for librarians. Discusses factors that are eroding cataloging as a core competency, the elimination of cataloging positions amid shrinking budgets, the effect of this trend on library education and librarian role, mediocre service as an inevitable result, and the need to reestablish…

Describes how a librarian, assisted by a knowledge engineer, developed a computerized reference assistance system for a separate government documents department. Rationale for the expert system, problems in selecting reference materials and user questions to computerize, and the formulation of a workable human/computer interface are covered. A…

Discusses results of interviews with reference librarians that were conducted to investigate the effects of electronic reference options such as CD-ROM and OPACs (Online Public Access Catalogs). The work environment is described; changes in library instruction are considered; and the changing nature of reference work is discussed, including users'…

This report describes the activities of the Council on Library Resources, Inc. (CLR) during the 1982-83 fiscal year. Contents include lists of members of the Council, the Council Board of Directors, and the Council staff; a listing of CLR committee members and officers; a preface; a brief statement of highlights of the year's activities and future…

Discusses advances in microcomputer and optical technologies and how these technologies are being integrated into library reference work. Topics discussed include training of library reference staff; library bibliographic instruction; CD-ROMs; videodiscs; hypertext; bibliographies; library catalogs, including online catalogs; indexing and…

Three articles discuss the issue of the mediator's role in the library of the electronic age. Topics addressed include computer-assisted instruction; online catalogs; computer networks; professional identity; reference service and bibliographic instruction; CD-ROMs; online systems; personal home microcomputers; Internet and list servers;…

Presents seven articles that discuss reference librarians and technical services librarians; evaluating online public access catalogs; bibliographic instruction and CD-ROMs; interactive multimedia and electronic media in academic libraries; open versus closed stacks for academic library periodical collections; policies and procedures manuals as…