Virtual reference services seem a natural extension of libraries digital collections and the emphasis on access to the library anytime, anywhere. If patrons use the library from home, it makes sense to provide them with person-to-person online reference. The Library of Congress (LC), OCLC, and several large library systems have developed and…

Discusses a model telephone reference service focusing on the application of library experience to the design of an online system. The inclusion of current ready reference materials in the database of future automated systems is suggested, and 11 references are listed. (RAA)

A collection of 144 general reference works was analyzed and encoded according to 254 identifiable characteristics of services and contained data, comprising an approach language" expressing search parameters. (Author)

Geographic information system (GIS) technology is a rapidly growing and powerful method for managing and analyzing spatial data and information for libraries. This article introduces GIS basic concepts, reviews GIS usage in libraries, and presents some challenges, strengths, and opportunities for libraries and GIS. Six figures illustrate the…

An automated retrieval system for reference works was constructed as a prototype in order to illustrate the capabilities and potentialities of future retrieval systems. More than 170 biographical works were indexed and stored in a computer disk to form a biographical data base, and a computer program was written to match patron queries. Consistent…

Discusses implementation of the automated recording of reshelving statistics for print reference materials and the use of these statistics in reference-collection development and management, especially in making acquisitions and weeding decisions, based on experiences at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. (Author/LRW)

In June 1988, the Director of the University of Missouri-Columbia libraries appointed a five-person task force to evaluate the libraries' service to undergraduates. The task force undertook an intensive year-long study of four areas: services, collections, facilities, and cooperation with other academic units. Twenty staff members were recruited…

Describes how the Tulsa City-County Library System built a 22-branch CD-ROM-based network with the emerging thin-client/server technology, and succeeded in providing patrons with the most current research tools and information resources available. Discusses costs; networking options; the Citrix WinFrame system used; equipment and connectivity.…

This article describes use of the InfoTrac system, a self-contained periodical reference system designed for in-library use that provides coverage of 900 general interest, business, management, and economic periodicals, at Indiana University (Bloomington). Discussion covers InfoTrac installation, InfoTrac and student interaction, system…

A survey of the current practices in school library-media centers in the Southwest, Three Rivers, Pathfinder, and Arkansas Valley Regional Library Service Systems in Colorado was conducted in the fall of 1986. The survey covered reference materials; media selection; computer usage, including cataloging, online searching, and use of library…

The author of this article is an automation librarian, but at times he also works at the reference desk, as well as teaching library instruction and literacy classes. Working at the reference desk, he learns how users handle their library's information technology. This article explores the conclusions that the author has reached regarding the…

Management guidelines for library planning and a strategic planning program profile based on the literature were used in the planning process for implementing access to databases on CD-ROM at the Daniel Library of the Citadel, Military College of South Carolina. According to this model, the planning process would consist of five stages: (1)…

Describes the thinking and research involved in implementing an electronic reference service to Raritan Valley Community College's Library Web Page. Discusses implementation of a jargon-free "Ask a Librarian" service with well-defined procedures and a plan for advertising the service. Ideas incorporated in the procedures and plans are…