The primary goal of this study was to identify gaps in curriculum coverage and required skills for research support services (RSS) in university libraries in the Punjab province of Pakistan. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used to meet its objective. To collect data for the quantitative strand, across-sectional survey with a…

Conventional methods of teaching reference courses should be supplemented by practicing laboratories if improved reference services are to be provided. (AB)

Considers the future of library instruction and addresses four main areas: (1) the reference/instruction relationship; (2) the vision of creating the self-sufficient user; (3) organizing library instruction as a curriculum; and (4) the need for significant outcomes. Examples from Association of Research Libraries members are included. (Author/LRW)

A series of articles focuses on artificial intelligence research and development to enhance information systems and services. Topics discussed include knowledge base designs, expert system development tools, natural language processing, expert systems for reference services, and the role that artificial intelligence concepts should have in…

Describes the addition of a collection management module to an advanced reference course in the arts and humanities, and reports the preliminary findings of a practicum that used the Research Libraries Group Conspectus as a basis for collection analysis in the humanities for a university library. (Author/CLB)

Discusses changes in the information science field based on personal reminiscences and suggests an agenda for the future. Topics addressed include information relevance; the reference process, including question negotiation; curriculum changes in information science; the value of information; and how people use information. (LRW)

Discusses results of a survey of state library agencies that was conducted to determine current practices for the provision of consultants and workshops for the improvement of reference services in public libraries. The necessity of continuing education is considered, implications for library schools are examined, and future research is suggested.…

The traditional role of the school librarian encompassed collection development, reading guidance and literature promotion, and reference. Over time these functions have expanded and participation in carrying out functions has become more active. For instance, the teaching role of the library media specialist is a dramatic and far-reaching…

A comprehensive report of a six-month study that investigated the way the Department of Government at the University of Queensland used the university's library resources is presented. Groups participating in the study (students, library staff, and faculty) are identified, and the methods of data collection are explained. Over 40 data tables…

A project was undertaken by the University of Wisconsin library staff to educate freshmen and transfer students in the resources of the library and resource use. Visually appealing library instructional packets were produced in several media formats to achieve this aim. They were in two forms: a minipacket for quick help in finding library…

Graduate programs must examine the curriculum for reference and information access professionals. Greater access to information sources by users has highlighted the need for reference and information professionals to develop new skills including more technological knowledge, a better understanding of user information-seeking, new instructional…

These guidelines were developed by the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association to encourage library schools to add training in genealogical research to their curriculum. Highlights include course objectives; the library's role in serving genealogical patrons; genealogical research methodology; reference…

A research project is being conducted to design, develop, test and evaluate instructional materials for on-the-job training of library personnel. The initial efforts are concentrated on the training requirements of scientific and technical libraries and involve development of three training course packages: technology in libraries, reference tools…

Reviews the Senior Library Assistants course at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Library (Nigeria). The following six subject areas included in the curriculum are discussed: (1) libraries, information, and society; (2) collection development; (3) organization of library materials; (4) reader's services; (5) preservation; and (6) library…

The needs for supplementary training of library personnel from increased demands on libraries for services, increased rates of personnel turnover, and a growing lag between personnel retraining practices and the rapidly changing requirements for personnel performance. The initial project covers (1) reference tools and procedures, (2) foreign and…