Describes a computerized program presently being developed on the World Wide Web, which is designed to locate and store reference information through the use of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). Reports a preliminary investigation of the adequacy of FAQs to cover a sample of questions on American government, politics, elections and law. (AEF)

Questions the need for collaborative digital reference services among libraries. Discusses the lack of use among networks that have been developed, probably due to easy access to online resources; economic assumptions; setting standards for reference practice; automatic routing software; copyrights; and patron satisfaction. (LRW)

This essay extends observations made by the author to Dan Marmion, in his editorial, "The Bully Pulpit" ("Information Technology and Libraries," June 1999). The author makes the point that sometimes a user can find an answer to a reference question more efficiently and effectively in a print source, sometimes in an electronic source, and sometimes…

Discusses how the reference staff at Texas A&M University defined basic tools, skills and procedures that new librarians and support staff should know. A list of Subject Baseline Competencies (which is appended) was developed for the reference department, including desk procedures and policies, electronic competencies, and the three major…

Describes the introduction of virtual, or digital, reference service at the University of New Brunswick libraries. Highlights include analyzing transcripts from LIVE (Library Information in a Virtual Environment); reference question types; ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) information literacy competency standards; and the Big 6…

Provides information on "free money" books so that librarians can help patrons seeking resources for financial help. Discusses where to find information on federal government grants; funding sources for home loans and business start-ups; and health care resources. Lists several publications that may be helpful resources of financial aid.…

Summarizes the debate concerning use of desks versus counters in reference areas of academic libraries. Librarians argued whether patrons were more likely to approach a standing or a sitting librarian. In general, patrons preferred approaching a standing librarian; however, only small studies were conducted. In practice, libraries are designed in…

A strong relationship between staff morale and quality of reference service is suggested by this preliminary study of 37 public library reference department staff members, with further study recommended. Other factors studied included rapport with unit heads, patron relations, group cohesion, and work environment. (53 references) (EAM)

Describes issues raised during a major reorganization and consolidation of reference services at Oregon State University. Attitudes of reference librarians and library administrators are reported, steps involved in the reorganization are outlined, and reactions from faculty are discussed with emphasis on the need for cooperation between librarians…

Describes a two-year project sponsored by the California State Library that assisted local public libraries in improving their reference services. Project activities included the provision of basic reference materials to all libraries, training workshops in reference techniques for paraprofessional staff, and specialized workshops and reference…

This excerpt from "The CD-ROM Handbook" (Desmarais, Meckler Corp., 1988) describes a variety of CD-ROM products with library applications. Highlights include cataloging services; acquisitions; public access catalogs; reference works; indexes and databases; and names and addresses of 30 vendors connected with the optical publishing…

Describes the origins of the Kinsey Institute for Sex Research, reference services and research tools offered by the institute, and the collection of materials relating to human sexual behavior. The materials described include books, journals, and magazines; art products; films; videocassettes; and photographs. (seven references) (CLB)

Considers trends in measurement and evaluation of reference service and summarizes research findings on the importance of reference work, library clientele, reference questions, duties of the reference librarians, and the effectiveness of reference service. Measures for the organization and performance of reference work, the adequacy of reference…

Argues that, because of its meteoric entrance into the library marketplace, too few institutions have reviewed the implications of CD-ROM before making their purchases. Issues that need to be considered are discussed, including funding, costs, equipment requirements, optimal locations for workstations, security and viruses, human resources, user…

Discusses the accuracy of reference service in libraries as measured by evaluating answers that reference librarians give to factual questions. More than 30 reference accuracy studies are analyzed, variables explored in each study are examined, further research needs are described, and suggestions for improving service quality for reference…