Summarizes the steps in introducing CD-ROM in an academic library and lists producer/distributor, system requirements, price, and description/comments for CD-ROM products in the categories of educational research; library catalog support; curriculum development aids; reference sources; and administrative aids. A sidebar discusses CD-ROM use at the…

Discussion of the influence of library catalog use studies on cataloging codes and practices focuses on a study of reference staff members at three Association of Research Libraries academic libraries that was conducted to determine their use of bibliographic record elements. Records in online catalogs and bibliographic utilities are examined, and…

This handbook was developed for hearing impaired students at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf located at Rochester Institute of Technology. An illustrated guide to the main library on campus, it is language-appropriate for deaf students in a postsecondary education program, and may be used independently or in conjunction with formal…

Describes how a librarian, assisted by a knowledge engineer, developed a computerized reference assistance system for a separate government documents department. Rationale for the expert system, problems in selecting reference materials and user questions to computerize, and the formulation of a workable human/computer interface are covered. A…

This guide is the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Libraries' quick reference tool for providing information about its collections, facilities, and services. The articles are arranged in an alphabetic, dictionary format with numerous cross-references, and highlight information on the following: administrative offices; company annual reports;…

This publication reports the results of the first annual survey of those Illinois academic libraries affiliated with the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET). It is noted that responses were received from 132 libraries, a 91 percent response rate. Information is presented on public use of academic library materials and services;…

Presents the results of a survey of academic libraries belonging to the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) concerning the availability and accessibility of OCLC (via dedicated or dial access terminals) for use by reference personnel. The methodology of the survey is described and data are presented in five tables. (JL)

Considers the changing nature of academic libraries in light of new technology and offers suggestions for libraries to keep patron use and interest. Highlights include metadata and MARC formats as opposed to commercial standards; OPAC marginalization; digitization; distance education; institutional allegiance; ethics and competition; and the need…

Presents results of a survey of ARL (Association of Research Libraries) members in the United States and Canada that was conducted to discover which electronic reference options are offered and their impact on library services. Online mediated searching, CD-ROM, end-user searching, and local databases are investigated. (nine references) (LRW)

Describes the special collection on deaf people and deafness in the Gallaudet University Library (Washington, DC). Topics include periodicals; cataloging; the classification system and subject headings developed for the collection; online catalogs; online periodical indexes; deaf reference; archives; and the World Wide Web home page. (Author/LRW)

Considers the increase in the variety of electronic reference options in academic libraries based on surveys of ARL (Association of Research Libraries) members. Discusses online catalogs; CD-ROM databases; World Wide Web access; and changes in library instruction, including formal instruction, point-of-use instruction, and Internet instruction.…

Describes the history of consortia and cooperative efforts among libraries and their role in distance learning in higher education. Discusses shared online catalogs; purchases of electronic resources; supporting distance learners' information needs, including virtual reference; staff training; change management; cooperative planning; vendor…

Provides an overview of the American Library Association (ALA) 1991 midwinter conference. Highlights include federal legislation, the organization of library support staff, fees for library services, library collection preservation policies, electronic access, access policy guidelines for academic libraries, reference staffing for electronic…

Examines librarian's initiatives to incorporate access to external databases into local online catalogs; describes OCLC's new online reference system, EPIC, that provides subject access to databases; and discusses OCLC's plans to expand access to monographs by including tables of contents or book indexes in monograph records. (LRW)

The Peer Reference Counseling Program at Valdosta State University (Georgia) is a program designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to work at the Reference Desk at Odum Library. This program employs minority students and trains them to work at the Reference Desk answering basic reference questions and utilizing as well as…