Proposes that the theoretical framework for career development and decision-making needs to be explicit and implicit in the various computer-based guidance information systems. Suggests professional organizations as well as National Vocational Guidance Association members analyze the underpinnings of the systems now in use. (RC)

Presents a state-of-the-art of the reference interview with emphasis on evaluation. Article discusses the interview in terms of its components and which of them can be measured or evaluated. Components include performance of professionals v nonprofessionals, physical setting, verbal and nonverbal behavior, and user satisfaction. Implications are…

Discusses the feasibility and describes the implementation of small scale periodical index database searching operations for library reference service. The general description, with examples from a small liberal arts college, presents a favorable balance between search service benfits and potential costs. (RAA)

All teachers, including school librarians, have the responsibility of helping people utilize (not only discover) information to help themselves. They must promote questioning and the active life of the imagination. (Author)

Focuses on the design and capabilities of the WLN (Washington Library Network) computer system to provide reference and other public service functions. Specific topics addressed include bibliographic formats for microform and online catalogs, bibliographic standards for reference use, the effects of AACR 2, and the growth of the WLN system.…

A library user exposed to immediate communication with a librarian is more satisfied with the reference interview and question negotiation than when communication is nonimmediate, but there is no difference in satisfaction with information transfer. "Immediacy" evolves from the relatively positive feelings generated in the user by the librarian's…

Library users' perceptions of the quality of interlibrary loan service are examined. Ten Greater Midwest Research Libraries Consortium members distributed surveys to patrons. Findings indicate patrons' satisfaction is minimally related to actual delivery speed; satisfaction and perceptions of timeliness are strongly correlated; a delivery speed of…

Examines the effectiveness of a framework developed to measure service quality in academic libraries. The research, which was conducted in the seven university libraries of New Zealand during 1996 concluded that the survey questionnaire administered is an effective instrument for testing service quality. (AEF)

Differing perspectives of reference collection development librarians and publishers are presented for the following topics: fairness of pricing trends; best/worst ways to communicate about new reference titles; deciding which sources should be published; impact of electronic materials on reference services; deciding on/selecting formats; and…

Reference librarians will find numerous opportunities for effective patron referrals on the Internet. This paper describes selected sites from organizations, academic departments and the private sector which offer useful information on psychology. The sites included are chosen for their uniqueness, credibility, and usefulness. (Author)

Gives a general overview of selected reference resources dealing with ethnic and gender studies available on the Web and presents an annotated list of sources. Studies are broken into African and African American Studies; Asian and Asian American Studies; Latino/Chicano Studies; Native American Studies; Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Studies; Men's…

Describes Internet reference resources in language and literature. Includes general literature sites; language dictionaries; language resources; electronic text collections; author information and criticism; poetry; folklore and mythology; and children's literature. (AEF)

Presents a selection of Web-based reference resources in the earth and physical sciences, focusing in particular on geology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and weather. Sites listed are those likely to be of broad interest, and most or all of the contents of the resources listed are available for free. (Author)

From a librarian's point of view, children using the Internet need to be cautioned about more than just the dangers of offensive materials and persons. Topics include teaching critical-use skills for evaluating electronic reference sources, problems with commercialism, and differentiating between fact and opinion. (LRW)

Discusses the use of the World Wide Web by academic libraries for reference and instruction. Widespread availability of software for browsing, creating, editing, and mounting World Wide Web pages necessitates discussion on the development of a library Web site; Hyper Text Markup Language; software evaluation; suggestions for writing Web pages; and…