Discusses the changes necessitated as the Library of Congress moves towards adoption of "Anglo-American Cataloging Rules 2 (AACR 2)," increases its use of automation in technical service procedures, and explores how such changes will disrupt a patron's ability to find materials or information locally. (Author)

Although the ILL subsystem of OCLC is not yet operational, it is apparent the OCLC is being used to facilitate ILL now. The capabilities and advantages of such a system are discussed, as well as the problems it creates. (Author/JAB)

Describes problems with journal citation integrity, the conflict that has arisen between them and cataloging standards, and the parallel dangers presented by journal citations that are unverified. Emphasizes the importance of awareness on the part of public service librarians. (Author/JKP)

Discussion of problems of interlibrary loan services highlights high prices, confusing terminology, poor invoicing practices, and restrictions on lending. Two tables show charges for lending/photocopying and number of items loaned in selected private and public university libraries in 1974/75 and 1983/84. Twenty-six references are listed.…

The work of an interlibrary loan librarian would be much easier, and user satisfaction would be greater, if requesters supplied complete information. (SJ)

Discusses the benefits and complexity of reference within the serials department and its interrelationship with general reference service. Practical solutions are suggested for problems of training, staffing and organization of serials reference service. (RAA)

This survey of rural and suburban libraries produced over 660 usable responses on special problems of rural libraries. Nearly half of libraries had budgets of under $30,000; about half did not have M.L.S. degree-holding staff members; majority participated in cooperative system; many reported inadequate reference resources; and isolation was major…

The author draws attention to the problem that arises when reference librarians undertake to retrieve the kinds, or forms, of publications known as indexes, bibliographies, and catalogs. (10 references) (Author/SJ)

This study of the online catalog at a large academic library focuses on the nature of problems for which users seek librarians' assistance. Characteristics of users, types of searches, kinds of problems, the effect of prior experience with the system, and user suggestions for improving the system are examined. (10 references) (Author/MES)

Discusses the needs of remote users of online public access catalogs (OPACs). User expectations are discussed; problems encountered by remote-access users are examined, including technical problems and searching problems; support services are described, including instruction, print guides, and online help; and differences from the needs of…

Describes the reference project of the Public Library of Columbus and Franklin County (PLCFC), Ohio, that uses a system of cassette-like tapes accessible by telephone to provide medical and health related information. (JD)

Discusses the problems, benefits, and future of cooperative library reference services in five separate papers: (1) keynote address; (2) interlibrary reference communication; (3) quality control; (4) computerized cooperative reference; and (5) national reference service. (JD)

A review of the bibliographic instruction (BI) format for business and career information in a business writing class at Louisiana State University revealed that a new framework was needed. Problems of the current format, results of student surveys, questioning techniques, learning models, and the role of assignments were examined. The conceptual…

Discusses the impact of CD-ROM services on reference departments and describes the development of a troubleshooting manual for the Library of Science and Medicine at Rutgers University. The seven steps followed in writing the manual are presented, and it is noted that it has proved to be an effective support for reference and CD-ROM services. (21…

Presents microcomputer-based information retrieval system in public access mode and describes preparations, procedures, and use developed and recorded during first year of operation at Louisiana State University. A detailed analysis of month-long free trial period (user status, major areas of study, subjects searched) and 10 conclusions and…