Reviews existing programs for inservice training of professional reference librarians and discusses the changing roles of reference librarians and ways to determine components of a staff training program (e.g., performance functions of reference librarians and use of videotaping to analyze the librarian's ability to communicate effectively). (14…

Traces the development of cooperation between reference librarians and catalogers, highlighting cooperative goals, role of the library catalog in meeting informational requirements of patrons, involvement of catalog librarians in library instruction, and patterns of library organization. Future trends are discussed. Twenty sources are given. (EJS)

Provides overview of the establishment and acceptance of reference service in American library practice and outlines and documents changes in focus and emphasis by citing textbooks on reference services. Highlights include beginnings in 1876, communications and counseling, the 1970s, reconsiderations, and new emphasis and new models. Ninety-four…

Examination of the confrontation between patrons and technology in the library focuses on two questions evident when addressing the instruction librarian's role in humanizing technology: whether the library profession can afford to humanize interaction between client and technology, and how instruction librarians can humanize the confrontation.…

Chronicles trends in prison libraries during last decade--improved standards, more attention to educational and vocational services, continued interest in reentry materials and services and networking, and emphasis on jail library services. Goals of prison librarianship predicated upon availability of professional librarians are explored, and 23…

This comparison of online searching cost figures from several of North Suburban Library System's public libraries notes search costs for 1984, average costs for public library computer searches, cost discrepancies, barriers to integration of online searching as a reference tool, searching data, and philosophical decisions. (EJS)

Presents information about the psychological impact of unemployment and emphasizes the importance of aiming public library programs and materials at the appropriate level of user need. A needs-analysis approach to providing information services is proposed, and examples of programs and publications developed in Ontario public libraries are given.…

This article discusses the effect of the Copyright Act of 1976 upon fee-based library copying services. Highlights include commercial advantage, open collection, notice of copyright, articles and small excerpts, multiple or systematic copying, purpose of fair use, the Williams and Wilkins case, and large-scale copying operations. Forty-four…

Examines the progress libraries have made in establishing literacy programs and looks at the efforts of several specific library systems. (FL)

Profile of a regional and subject oriented library networking experience in New Jersey focuses on the function of the Art Department of the Newark Public Library. Resource and reference services, categories of reference questions, interlibrary loans, photocopy service, and additional services are highlighted. Six sources are given. (EJS)

Decision-making framework proposed for librarians making automation decisions for their libraries is composed of hierarchically related levels: library functions; services and products; activities; resource components; and measures of costs, performance, attributes, and effectiveness. An economic model based on this framework is used to determine…

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…

This survey of public library use in Arthur, Illinois, reveals that 14 percent of nearby Amish population have purchased nonresident, family library cards. Comparison with rural populations in downstate Illinois and library use in Ohio Amish settlements suggests changes in Amish culture and role of public libraries near Amish settlements. Includes…

Identifies interacting principles of theory of library service and indicates nature of library policies, activities, and professional values upon which implementation of principles rests. Library users ("worthy" and "needy"), hierarchy of service functions (stimulation, guidance, instruction, information services, access,…

Describes introduction of books on tape at Oskaloosa (Iowa) Public Library, highlighting determination of audience and use, display of recorded books, packaging of tapes, cataloging, and quality of tapes. A list of 19 production companies and six distributors noting address, telephone number, type of cassettes, and price range is included. (EJS)