Examines the key differences between the information industry and public libraries and describes the computerized Community Information Project of San Mateo County, California. (PF)

While revised ethical codes provide helpful guidelines, reference archivists face many ethical questions raised by rapidly evolving technology, changing expectations, and inconsistent privacy laws that have no clear answers. Discusses issues related to reference searching, codification of ethics, cultural property and the responsibility of…

Argues that the full cost and complexity of providing library services to support open and distance education tend to be underestimated. Three fundamental questions are addressed: Why is it necessary to determine the role of libraries in supporting learning? Who meets these costs? and How institutionally independent should access to library and…

Describes a program developed at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) libraries that moved librarians from the centralized main library to college departments that are not served by branch libraries. Topics include remote access capabilities; librarians' roles, including reference librarian, instructor, Web master,…

This review of library services for distance education concludes that (1) better marketing is needed; (2) library staff should be more involved in program development; (3) faculty should promote library use in their courses; and (4) many distance learners lack independent learning skills, including use of library resources and information. (SK)

Describes a project in which the library needs of public housing residents were assigned a survey of residents, and in which the survey itself was carried out by residents. The methods used to train residents to conduct interviews are described, the survey results are presented, and the need for resident involvement is discussed. (11 references)…

Discusses traditional library approaches to access to information and the possible impact of information technologies, library automation, and artificial intelligence. Access issues raised by these technologies are identified and a research agenda to explore these issues is outlined. (31 references) (CLB)

Historical review covers: (1) the rise of research and research libraries, 1850-1900; (2) the genesis of reference service, 1875-95; (3) the growth of reference service in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (4) reference practices in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (5) legislative and municipal reference work, 1900-16; and (6) current trends…

The lead article in this symposium argues that academic librarians have become too enthralled with their perception of themselves as teachers and urges them to shift their emphasis from instruction to services. Six authors respond to this view in short opinion pieces. (11 references) (CLB)

This report on the American Library Association's 1989 midwinter conference summarizes the interactions and recommendations of various speakers, committees, and special interest groups. A profile of presidential candidates, summary of the most significant board and council actions, and agenda for the next conference are provided. (CLB)

Discusses the complex role of government documents on microform in library reference services using an examination of recent Ghanaian news broadcasts as an illustration. (14 references) (MES)

Discussion of humanities research focuses on the humanist patron as author of the text. Highlights include the research process; style of expression; interpretation; multivocality; reflexivity; social validation; repatriation; the image of the library for the author; patterns of searching behavior; and reference librarian responses. (37…

Provides a historical overview of library cooperative efforts, the roles identified for the cooperative library organizations and their members, and associated services. Examines the contributions that rural libraries make toward cooperation among all types of libraries and identifies challenges for rural libraries participating in networks in the…

This proceedings contains the introduction, keynote address, panel discussion, and four papers. Topics include: role of the library and librarians in the information age, the librarian as information consultant, marketing the library to the parent organization, ownership versus access, and financial realities of providing information services in…

Discusses information literacy and describes activities under the sponsorship of the National Forum on Information Literacy (NFIL) that promotes information literacy in schools and libraries. Activities of member organizations of the NFIL are described, including policy formation, publications, and programs; and the role of the American Library…