To consolidate library public service points and reallocate staff resources, Old Dominion University Library (Virginia) transferred responsibility for government documents reference service to the library's main reference desk. A team-based approach was used to manage aspects of the merge, including training of reference desk staff and production…

A cost analysis study of the Association of Research Libraries' member institutions who have depository status was conducted in order to evaluate the benefits received from the federal depository system. Information received from a small sample of the member libraries provides the basis for discussion of costs and benefits. Cost factors considered…

Discusses efforts at the Montana State University (Bozeman) library to promote use of census data. Describes instructional sessions, and budgetary and service issues faced by depository libraries providing access to census data in electronic formats. Also includes copies of handouts from the instructional sessions. (Author/AEF)

Examines how an academic library (Bowling Green State University) "insourced" (retaining services/providing services for others) operations such as photocopying, snack vending, library science education, management of a book depository, and cataloging for another institution. Includes examples of unsuccessful attempts to insource. (PEN)

Briefly describes fundamental problems with library reference service based on the findings of 20 separate studies using unobtrusive tests. An emphasis on quality of service, realistic goals, and effective managerial strategies are identified as possible resolutions of these problems. (CLB)

Reports results of unobtrusive testing of reference service (asking reference questions of library staff who are unaware of being evaluated) in government documents and central reference areas of 26 U.S. libraries. Accuracy of answers, interview and search process duration, referral, and use of catalog and technology are highlighted. (12…

Examines the impact of the transition of the Federal Depository Library Program from print collections to a mix of print and electronic materials. Considers library collections and services; discusses reference service within the context of Zipf's Law; and presents a case study of the University of Florida documents reference services. (Author/LRW)

Highlights data from unobtrusive exploratory study related to referral process of reference questions posed at academic depository libraries. Related literature is reviewed, followed by discussions of assumptions related to referral process, implications of study findings, recommendations to improve quality of referral services, and research…

Reports on a survey of 21 academic libraries in 11 states which examined the management of state publication collections. Results are discussed under the following headings: acquisitions; selection; storage and accessibility; and reference service and bibliographic tools. Recommendations directed at the University of Arkansas Library and…

Discusses the increasing demand for digital reference services from government Web sites via email, and describes a partnership between the Government Printing Office and the federal depository library at the University of Illinois at Chicago to create electronic access to the Department of State Foreign Affairs Network (DOSFAN). (Author/LRW)

The collection and service policy of the federal depository collection at the University of Miami in Florida is designed to address the needs of the university, business, agricultural, legal, and medical communities, as well as the needs of citizens in the 19th Congressional District. Circulation, online searching, and reference/information…

The federal government's shift from physical to electronic formats presents advantages and disadvantages for small college and rural libraries. Provides an overview of the shift to electronic publishing and presents the experience of a small federal depository library at Shepherd College (WV). Includes an annotated bibliography of government…

Offers a case study of the University of Alabama, Birmingham, library without depository status, which maintains a government documents collection through microfiche and subscriptions and compares it to depository libraries in terms of staff, shelving, binding, collection analysis, and quality of service. The future of electronic government…

This directory provides information about various types of Michigan libraries. The directory is divided into 14 sections: (1) "Alphabetical List of Public and Branch Libraries Whose Names do Not Indicate Their Location"; (2) "Public and Branch Libraries"; (3) "Library Cooperatives"; (4) "Academic Libraries";…

This directory provides information about various types of Michigan libraries. It is divided into 12 sections: (1) public and branch libraries; (2) library cooperatives; (3) academic libraries; (4) regions of cooperation; (5) regional educational media centers; (6) regional and subregional libraries; (7) Michigan documents depository libraries;…