Describes process by which two operational components of National Epilepsy Library and Resource Center (reference library, information and referral unit) combined existing retrieval package with specially designed software to make optimum use of a Wang VS-80 minicomputer. Designing and programing the system, testing and evaluation, and final…

Raises questions about influence of present reference practice on library user perceptions of the librarian as information intermediary and on user ability to distinguish between librarians and other staff. Questions are discussed within context of client-professional relationship, using data from study of users of three midwestern university…

Model for evaluation of library reference services examines four elements of reference process: librarians' performance on requests for factual information; knowledge of library policies, procedures, or services; provision of bibliographical instruction; and performance of interviewing techniques. Reference service questionnaire, criteria for…

Describes how automation improves genealogical reference services and access to sources at the Genealogical Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Highlights include specialized access strategies to the computer-output microfiche catalog, the creation of a union catalog, special outputs from an automated system, and future developments in library…

Discusses data gathered from study assessing library users' behavior and perceptions of reference transaction. Characteristics of reference clientele (address, age, education), questions asked, answers given (type, source, length of time spent), relationships between variables, and cost of reference service are highlighted. Instructions and forms…

Digital reference services at university libraries in Australia and New Zealand are a recent phenomena dating back to the late 1990s--following the developments in Web-based online library services. This paper examines the move towards the provision of e-mail reference services based on the study of 16 randomly chosen university libraries in…

This book is designed for courses that prepare college and university students for undergraduate or graduate degrees in school library media. Its objectives are to teach basic reference processes, sources, services, and skills and to provide authentic school library media reference scenarios for reflection and guided application. The book…

This book is divided into two parts; the first part (chapters 1-4) discusses fundamental aspects of computing and related technologies, and the second part (chapters 5-8) covers library automation, systems, and services. The chapters are as follows: (1) Computer Hardware, including the central processor, input peripherals, output peripherals, and…

The explosion of information and the popularity of the Internet and commercial search engines have required librarians to take a fresh look at their profession. The overwhelming amount of information now available has brought new demands and expectations. The need to bring information to the remote user has encouraged the creation of many…

Advancing library services in large universities requires creative approaches for "building to scale." This is the case for CIC, Committee on Institutional Cooperation (Big Ten), libraries whose home institutions serve thousands of students, faculty, staff, and others. Developing virtual Web-based services is an increasingly viable…

E-mail reference services in Ohio public libraries was studied using the survey method in January 1999. Through the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN), the researcher identified 94 Ohio public libraries that have World Wide Web pages that host an e-mail address as a contact method. Fifty-nine questionnaires were returned, resulting in…

Outlines current function of the school library media center, highlighting reference services, the information function, national standards, the library media program, the teaching of library media skills, library instruction as a shared responsibility of classroom teachers and media specialists, and the development of the reference collection.…

Traces the development of a new library/information center at the headquarters of the Aluminum Association, Inc., from the original idea through the first year's activities and accomplishments. Topics addressed include setting priorities, budgeting, establishing services, and selecting a computer based management system. Special library standards…

Highlights data from unobtrusive exploratory study related to referral process of reference questions posed at academic depository libraries. Related literature is reviewed, followed by discussions of assumptions related to referral process, implications of study findings, recommendations to improve quality of referral services, and research…

Discusses an "intelligent" videodisc system utilizing a H-P 2000 computer and an optical videodisc for retrieval of images of art slides stored on disc at the University of Iowa. The results of a user survey are discussed, including such concerns as image quality, search time, and programing limitations. (Author/JJD)