Discusses the need for reference desk orientation for newly hired or reassigned librarians and presents an outline of a suggested orientation program. Orientation conducted by a supervisor is discussed, practical and philosophical aspects of reference service are addressed, and written materials that support the training are recommended. (nine…

Describes ways that reference librarians can use the skill of active listening to respond to a patron's message that is more emotional than factual. Examples are given from the Brigham Young University (BYU) Library School's interpersonal relations course that compare nonactive listening responses to active listening responses. (two references)…

Summarizes activities of state organizations and associations responsible for school library media programs from Arizona, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas, Rhode Island, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Michigan, and New Jersey. (LRW)

Discusses the concept of user-centered library services from a theoretical and conceptual basis. Highlights include the traditional information model; the constructivist model; other researchers' approaches to information seeking and information needs; a sense-making model for various library services; question negotiation; knowledge transfer;…

Explains what an education library is and describes methods used in seeking out such libraries on an international basis. Libraries in Sweden, Finland, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Canada are described, including address, World Wide Web page, mission, history, clientele, type of collection, services, publications, and databases. (LRW)

Results of a study conducted at Arizona State University West revealed that nearly 36% of reference questions asked were from non-affiliated patrons and approximately 70% took five minutes or less to answer. While longer questions took a disproportionate amount of time, this study shows that the time spent answering affiliated and non-affiliated…

Discusses the use of the College Student Experiences questionnaire (CSEQ) as an effective instrument to measure differences in the academic library experiences of two different racial groups. Results of a study indicate that African-American undergraduate students used the academic library services more frequently than did white students.…

Surveys public libraries in Canada and a 1997 IFLA conference regarding use of Internet for multicultural library services. Librarians identified if, and how the Internet is currently used. Key strategies in training, communications, global library partnerships, and funding need to be considered for a global implementation. (MMU)

After years of cutbacks, the pivotal role of public libraries in providing lifelong learning resources is being recognized. In Britain, a consortium for public-library networking is extending libraries' ability to deliver knowledge-based services. (SK)

Examines the reference transaction in library and information science from the perspective of systems analysis, identifies 15 functional requirements of the process, proposes criteria to measure success, illustrates the process using four diagrams of the reference transaction, and suggests future research. (Author/LRW)

The 40 tables of this report summarize information about libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia in fiscal year 1996. Includes information about public library service measures, administration and staffing, and other characteristics. (SLD)

Explains four historical discontinuities: time and space; mind and body; real and virtual; and humans and technology. Considers how an awareness of them can assist librarians in creating virtual space for libraries, adapting to changing roles, and developing new value-added services. (Contains 126 references.) (Author/LRW)

Provides an overview of universal Web design and discusses guidelines developed by the Web access initiative (WAI) that focus on the access needs of Web users with disabilities. Highlights include barriers for people with print disabilities or motor impairments; the role of libraries; and resources to assist Web designers. (LRW)

Discusses future possibilities that libraries must consider in a digital information age. Topics include how the Internet has transformed the way people look for information; the need for better Web search engines; electronic publishing; and an information infrastructure that supports the delivery of digital objects and 24-hour reference service.…

Offers suggestions for training librarians to work with teens. Discusses knowing the audience and including them as part of the presentation; addressing controversial topics such as gay and lesbian teens; using handouts, including an evaluation of the presentation; and some basic topics to cover. Includes recommended resources for young adult…