Includes articles on the use of online databases for historical research, machine readable data sources for historical research, the librarian-historian interface in reference service, and a sampler of databases for searches in history as well as a selected list of guides to history databases and data archives. (JL)

Presents the results of a study undertaken to determine the bibliographic control requirements of a small- to medium-sized public library as these are expressed through library patrons' telephone and catalog reference. Data are presented in five tables, and a 17-item reference list is included. (Author/JL)

Discusses interviewing techniques in two steps: determining user's knowledge of and expectations for computerized literature searching, including beginning the interview and dealing with misconceptions, and the search strategy. The figure provided illustrates four stages of a thesis proposal and the related literature search purposes as aids in…

Describes a study of the different effects of online bibliographic searching and manual bibliographic searching on research quality and productivity among a group of graduate students assigned the task of compiling bibliographies. The study methodology is outlined, and 12 references and tables summarizing student responses to a questionnaire are…

Traces the development of the British Library since its founding in 1973 and discusses problems and achievements in the library as a whole and in the Reference Division, the Lending Division, the Bibliographic Services Division, and the Research and Development Department. Listed are 73 references. (RBF)

Presents the background, database, user instructions, design criteria, hardware, and commands of the online catalog system at the University of New Brunswick (Canada) library, as well as self-instructional features of the system. Evaluation of systems use and potential applications are discussed, and sample displays are provided. (RBF)

Describes a computerized job-matching program (MESA) that assists students and alumni in securing positions. Results indicate this system has introduced students to a large number of otherwise unconsidered career opportunities. (RC)

Reports on a University of Michigan project that developed and evaluated programed materials that would help library science graduate students become acquainted with representative reference materials and learn through simulated situations how to meet the informational needs of patrons; includes methods, schedules, findings, and analysis.…

The population of state and federal prisons quadrupled between 1971 and 1991, increasing demand for library resources. Outlines the history of prison libraries (1700s-1990s); discusses prison libraries and librarians, law collections, reference services, literacy programs, and funding; and provides a bibliography of prison librarianship covering…

Discusses limitations and possibilities of the service quality model, originally developed in a commercial environment, for academic libraries. Examines ways in which the model can be adapted to library reference services, access services, document delivery, and collection development. (62 references) (Author/AEF)

Reports on a study of 40 audiotaped reference interactions between librarians and public library users. Data analysis focused on users' problem formulation, librarians' elicitation of information from the user, unsolicited information provided by users and the effect of these factors for the outcome of the interaction. (Author/AEF)

Discusses results of a survey conducted by "Library Journal" to ascertain to what degree librarians' jobs were evolving and why. Highlights include the major influence of technology; experiences of a reference librarian at the University of California at Berkeley; and professional and support staff perspectives at academic, public, and…

Discusses electronic reference service from a teen's point of view and from the school library media specialist's view. Considers traits that attract teens, including anonymity, speed, and convenience; and explains concerns of media specialists, including quality of electronic resources, how to provide access, library instruction options, and…

Reports on a Delphi study developing consensus about the information needs of members of the Women's Studies faculty at the University of Michigan. Discusses the implications of the findings for future research in collection development, instruction, and reference service. Also presents the consensus on top priority and lowest priority issues.…

Discussion of the influence of library catalog use studies on cataloging codes and practices focuses on a study of reference staff members at three Association of Research Libraries academic libraries that was conducted to determine their use of bibliographic record elements. Records in online catalogs and bibliographic utilities are examined, and…