This paper describes the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries' experiences in developing distance education services as an example of how to meet the challenge of providing comprehensive, customized information and instructional support for both on- and off-campus learners. The first section provides historical background on distance…

With the emergence of Web help services, libraries are no longer the lone providers of information. Today's researchers need to find quickly information that is usable, relevant, authoritative, and verifiable. To meet that need, libraries must adapt traditional strengths of acquiring, describing, and serving information to an environment that is…

There is a communications gap between library users and the cataloger. Library of Congress classification may not seem logical to the user not indoctrinated into Library-Think.'' The author urges reference workers to be aware of and try to bridge the gap. (DH)

Major goals of study of online systems as reference tools--DIALOG, OCLC, Research Libraries Information Network--in a university library were to evaluate effectiveness of each system as supplement to printed reference tools and public catalog; determine costs; and investigate effectiveness of brief training sessions for reference desk staff.…

The formulation of a design for a library reference desk is discussed, basic planning considerations, height, and measurements of the desk, lighting and chairs, placement of the desk, prebuilt components, and evaluation. A six-item bibliography is included. (EJS)

Outline of the operation and services of the Data Library in the University of Florida Libraries includes a brief history, administration of the library system, development of collection of machine-readable data files, data users, technical services, reference services, funding, and staff recruitment, training, and development. Four references are…

Provides generalizations and offers speculations about online library catalogs based on experiences of the Division of Library Automation, University of California, noting cataloging for access, rediscovering serial analytics, document delivery, electronic publishing, remote public access, circulation systems, and reference services. Four…

Describes bibliographic instruction service instituted at University of Ottawa library known as term-paper counseling--an attempt to match on one-to-one basis a student's immediate research need with service offered during limited time period. Planning, publicity, staffing, and reactions to the project are noted. Application, session, and…

Summarizes results of project identifying research priorities in field of library and information science sponsored by Department of Education, Office of Libraries and Learning Technologies. Background material, one-page summaries of projects comprising the Research Agenda, and a classification and brief summary of other projects reviewed are…

Materials in this bibliography were selected and recommended by members of the Use of Machine-Assisted Reference in Public Libraries Committee, Reference and Adult Services Division, American Library Association. Topics include: financial aspects, equipment and communications considerations, comparing databases and database systems, advertising…

Surveys the errors, omissions, incomplete explanations, and inappropriate emphases found in the chapters on libraries and librarians in freshman English textbooks of the last 25 years. Suggest ways of improving these chapters. (JL)

Discusses the controversy over whether or not libraries should charge fees for online bibliographic services, reviews the evidence for imposing fees, for maintaining free services, and outlines the relevance of certain sections of the United States Code to decisions concerning the provision of information. Twenty-four references are included. (JL)

Suggests ways in which school, public, and special libraries can cope with television related demands, from circulating books promoted or dramatized on television to videotaping local events, as well as cooperating with local stations to provide information services to listeners. The current situation of public and cable television is also…

Explores ways in which library instruction programs and database searching services offered by academic libraries can become more interactive and mutually supportive. Specific attention is paid to opportunities for integrating library instruction with database searching. Student motivation and faculty support are among the topics discussed. A…

Describes the use of online bibliographic retrieval systems with secondary school students in the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools. (Author/LLS)