Two aspects of Karl Popper's philosophy are applied to reference process: process is viewed as series of problem-solving situations amenable to analysis using Popper's problem-solving schema. Reference interview is analyzed in context of Popper's postulate that books contain autonomous world of ideas existing apart from mind of knower. (30…

Four articles outline problems, programing, case studies, and hardware/software selection in library use of microcomputer-based electronic bulletin board systems (BBS). Highlights include the North-Pulaski (Chicago, Illinois) BBS, features of Liverpool Public Library (New York) system, and misuse of a library BBS (obscenity, bulletin board…

Argues that in an age of information overload, the public library role is to promote books and reading and warns that public libraries that focus on technologies and information services will become cogs in the engine of material progress rather than fulfilling their role as sources of knowledge. (19 references) (EJS)

Defines criteria applicable to implementation of end-user online searching service in academic education library (ease of use, flexibility, administrative ease, security, compatibility with available equipment) and describes systems in four categories--software (front ends, downloaded subsets), gateways, user friendly vendors, and straight vendor…

Six essays addressing the provision of online search services in academic libraries highlight passing on costs, academic library turf, current and future funding (on and off campus), a healthy competition, the future role of libraries, charges to users, end user searching, and online information. References are provided. (EJS)

Proposes five measurable indicators to assess effectiveness of young adult library services program: proportion of eligible young adults served; success rate in using library; appropriateness of collection; proportion of young adults participating in library programs; and proportion of cross-age programs held involving adolescents. Twenty-seven…

Based on a review of the literature, this discussion addresses such key aspects of the librarian's changing role in the online search process as the reference interview, online search evaluation, user training, and information service management. Future trends are noted, and 43 references are listed. (EJS)

Description of the Westport (Connecticut) Public Library's experience with DIALOG as an effective ready reference tool highlights introduction of the search service, location of the terminal, the three most popular databases, a workshop to provide online training for the entire reference staff, and costs and free searches. (EJS)

Discussion of a statement of goals and objectives for reference department staff is based on an informal survey of reference managers in academic and public libraries and professional literature of planning. Strategies for developing statements (role of manager, arriving at goals, setting priorities, developing objectives) are described. Fifteen…

Preliminary description of design of electronic library and home information delivery system highlights potentials of personal computer interface program (applying for service, assuring that users are valid, checking for measures, searching, locating titles) and incorporation of concepts used in other information systems (security checks,…

The objectives of the Alabama Public Library Service are to: provide library services to the citizens directly or through local libraries; provide library services for those with special needs through the Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; provide library services to employees of the State of Alabama to meet their…

This document presents the proceedings of a Regional Academic Library Symposium, "Brick and Click Libraries." Contributors are professionals from colleges and universities in the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Papers include: "Library Web Site Redesign and Usability Testing" (Michelle Beattie and Susan Sykes Berry); "The…

This publication features work presented at the Second Annual Virtual Reference Desk Digital Reference Conference (October 6-17, 2000, Seattle, Washington). These proceedings include papers and presentations by conference presenters representing public, academic, and government libraries, as well as subject-specific AskA services, from the United…

Like the first two editions, this third edition is designed primarily to provide the beginning student of library and information science with an overview both of the concepts and processes behind today's reference services and of the most important sources consulted in answering common types of reference questions. The first 12 chapters deal with…

This document is a reference collection of World Wide Web links to Web sites involving technology in education. Web resources are categorized into the following nine sections: (1) Publications/Journals/Articles; (2) Grants and Funding Resources; (3) Software/Hardware/Downloads and Demos; (4) Professional Development for Administrators and…