Discusses the amount of instruction that is part of reference service, based on experiences with the University of New Brunswick's LIVE (Library Information in a Virtual Environment) digital reference service. Concludes that digital reference instruction is not a substitute for more formal library instruction programs that include information…

Identifies the questions librarians should ask before adopting local online, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM and site database systems. User reactions to local online are discussed and the impact of such systems on reference services and the reference librarian's job content are examined. (CLB)

Discusses two problems related to the use of online catalogs: (1) staff training has not kept pace with new catalogs, resulting in a lack of search expertise in staff and patrons; and (2) users expect instant access to materials found in the catalog. It is argued that these problems must be addressed to adequately serve library patrons. (CLB)

Discusses the librarian's intermediary role in the dissemination of information. The user's information-seeking process, reference negotiation, and bibliographic instruction are also considered, and an overview of this theme issue is provided. (LRW)

To facilitate research, an agreement was reached between Emporia State University's Library Services and the Biology Division to offer subsidized online searches. Explores the relationship and how the collaboration has evolved over the years. Outlines the instruction session now being offered, and discusses its effectiveness. (AEF)

This manual presents the policies and procedures of the Reference Department of Chicago State University's Douglas Library. General information about the reference department's staffing, functions, and services is given in the first section. In the next nine sections information is provided about the following areas: scope and circulation period…

Designed to meet the information needs of students and to support curricula, planning, programs, and faculty and administrator research, the reference desk services described include: (1) assistance and instruction in locating and using library materials, (2) assessing interlibrary loan service for patrons and supplying other libraries with…

This report describes the use of videotaped lectures in the undergraduate library instruction program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Library, outlines the structure of the program, and reviews the process of producing library-specific videotapes. The results of an informal survey to compare the videotape method of presentation with a…

Summarizing the results of a conference of 30 Maryland media specialists, this report provides illustrations of a variety of media services to augment instruction in the skills of reading, listening, and viewing. Part I consists of background essays, and Part II details a program of media services for elementary, intermediate, and senior high…

Reports on a study of the information-seeking behavior of users of Infotrac, OCLC, Newsbank Electronic Index, and LS/2 at the Bowling Green State University Libraries. Following a brief description of the data gathered by interviews, a model for library user education that considers automated information retrieval is presented. (2 references) (MES)

This review of the literature discusses the image of librarians in popular culture, the importance of projecting a clear and positive image of reference librarians and their work to encourage users to seek reference help, and ways to improve users' understanding and image of librarians. (25 references) (Author/CLB)

Discusses the image and natural dynamics of an individual mode of library instruction in which the reference librarian serves as a role model by showing individual students or classes a searcher in action, working with ideas as well as index terms. Twenty-four sources are given. (EJS)

Results of survey of 44 academic libraries indicate that: foreign students have problems in using library; instruction for foreign students should be offered as separate program; type of instruction and degree of coordination between library and other areas on campus differs markedly. Program idea sources and 18 references are included. (EJS)

This five-article section on current issues in reference and adult services highlights origins of American Library Association's Reference and Adult Services Division, history and development of RQ's column "The Exchange," 25 years of adult services articles, documents reference service and changing attitudes of librarians, and library…

Discusses the literature on microfilm usage in reference librarianship, proposes use of microform in reference collections and the introduction of patrons to available information in microform. (Author/KP)