A description of how one special library uses B ALLOTS for answering specific questions dealing with monographs, verification of citations, bibliographies on either subjects or authors, background information on organizations, and interlibrary loans. Features of the BALLOTS data base are discussed, including system files, indexes and search keys,…

This paper examines the factors that govern identification of place in its environment, its literature, and its description as presented to the reference librarian by the genealogical researcher. Toponyms and exonyms, their elements of activity, status, extent, focus, and boundaries are examined, explicated, and defined. The techniques, sources,…

A Pathfinder functions as a step-by-step instructional tool which introduces a library user to the variety of information sources availabel in research libraries. (Author/NH)

One of the most frequently asked for categories in a library is the cost of living in a city, a state, or some other area. A variety of sources that can provide data which may be useful for the patron seeking such information are listed. (11 references) (Author/NH)

Provides baseline data concerning the public's use of public libraries and its use of the Internet in order to identify reasons for which each provider is used; to identify decision criteria that people use when choosing providers; and to assess how consumers evaluate the performance of libraries and of the Internet. (Author/LRW)

Community information (CI) isn't a new concept for libraries. In some communities it's as old as library service itself. When librarians began collecting, maintaining, and delivering CI to patrons, they worked with a variety of nonprofits and other governmental agencies to develop card- or notebook-based systems to connect people with information.…

This report describes results of the second year of research in developing statistical indicators of scientific and technical communication. This effort placed special emphasis on the periodical literature including new estimates of the number of journals and other periodicals, characteristics of journals, journal prices, number of subscribers,…

The types of reference question considered most difficult by the staffs of Northern California public library systems were the subject of a workshop conducted by the Bay Area Reference Center (BARC). The topics included: antiques and collectibles; identifying a poem from its middle line; how to make practically anything; how to repair various…

This paper presents data and discusses: (1) the procedures used in the preparation and delivery of eight computer-produced bibliographies, (2) the benefits of using them, (3) the costs in dollars, librarians, and time, (4) the possible operational problems, (5) suggested improvements, (6) additional uses, and (7) questions concerning service…

Criticizes the typical reference librarian's solution to a student's information request--the book--and presents specific reasons for offering a variety of sources and formats. Included is an information 'credo' that emphasizes information, not its package. (JD)

This report presents tabulations for the 2004 Academic Libraries Survey (ALS) conducted by the United States Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). An academic library is defined as an entity in a postsecondary institution that provides all of the following: An organized collection of printed or other materials,…

This revised edition reflects the changes that have taken place in the commonwealth's community of public libraries since the "Handbook" was published in 1991. This handbook is designed to give boards of trustees' basic information on the structure of library service in Virginia, with emphasis on their major areas of responsibility.…

The nature of criminal justice as a discipline and types of statistics it requires are discussed. Also included are descriptions of bibliographic sources of criminal justice statistics literature (criticizing methods used in gathering and presenting data and reporting statistics) and reference sources to primary sources of statistics. Sixteen…

Discusses the use of pathfinders, i.e., bibliographic tools designed to assist patrons in locating published information in specific fields by themselves. Use of pathfinders as teaching tools and special suggestions for their development by public libraries are noted. A pathfinder on personal financial management is included. (EJS)

Discussion of the Internet highlights its use in libraries and the need to teach patrons what it can and cannot be used for. Topics include the number and variety of existing sources, vendor organization and reliability issues, speed, quality control and regulation issues, and permanence of sources. (LRW)