Discusses kinds of problems public librarians encounter in the process of providing legal and health information. Data are compared from two surveys of reference librarians who provide legal and health information services in Ontario (Canada) public libraries, and implications for collection development are suggested. (17 references) (LRW)

Explores how libraries will function in the year 2000 as an exercise for planning. Looks at changes in clientele, collections, facilities, and staff, and the impact of technology on these and other aspects of reference work. (six references) (EA)

Argues that, with the trend toward viewing reference librarians as information brokers and the reification and privatization of information, the traditional goals of libraries and librarianship are being lost, i.e., providing free and open access to books and information to promote informed democracy and the public good. (63 references) (EAM)

Four articles describe the usefulness of the Internet to reference librarians and discuss Internet search tools: "Getting Started on the Net" (Karen R. Diaz); "Gopher Searching Using VERONICA" (Lousie McGillis); "How to Use VERONICA To Find Information on the Internet" (Jackie Mardikian); and "The Internet…

Examines the current state of cooperative reference services through a review of the literature and interviews with librarians involved in cooperative services. Topics discussed include the need for cooperative reference services; structure, staffing, and funding; the use of communications technology; and factors to consider in planning…

Considers how to plan for online reference services. Highlights include local access to databases, including CD-ROM and database licensing; local gateways; online search services; and planning considerations, including cost, locating online information, telecommunications and computing infrastructures, and equal access. (Contains 15 references.)…

Argues that the technical and conceptual foundations of reference librarianship must change if it is to survive the information age. Proposes a new model of service, called "access engineering," in which information seekers are treated as consumers, and technology is used to route information to them on demand. (nine references) (NRP)

Describes contents and format of effective quick reference guides for users of CD-ROM databases. The different needs of beginning and more sophisticated users are detailed; guidelines for organizing information and laying out the text are provided; and two formats for user aids are pictured. (KRN)

Reviews the literature on the cost effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction in libraries and describes a case study of the Interactive Media Center at the State University of New York at Albany that shows continuously increasing use. Useful applications of interactive multimedia are described, and suggestions for further research are…

Describes the incongruence between the service priorities of the public library community and the public. The results of a public poll on library roles (e.g., educational support, independent learning, preschool programs, community information, reference, and popular materials) and an analysis of public library data for 1992 are compared and…

Describes the qualities of a good children's reference librarian and discusses training that involves both on cognitive and affective training methods. Evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the trainee is discussed, and a model training workshop is presented that includes a sample assignment as well as basic reference sources for children's…

Discusses issues that managers of academic library electronic reference services are facing. Topics discussed include the quantity of mediated searches; organizational changes, i.e., who electronic services staff report to; management by committee; administrative options; changing job responsibilities of searchers and other staff members, both…

Offers definitions, statistics, and suggestions for public librarians working with homeschoolers. Library concerns are addressed, including censorship, negative staff attitudes, technology demands, and administrative limits; and ways to make homeschoolers more welcome are suggested, including compiling homeschooling resource materials, library…

Examines the impact of Libraries Online!, a Microsoft grant to provide technology to low-income populations, at High Point Library (Seattle, Washington). Discusses race relations among users, children helping children, computer lab programs for children, developing an Internet Use Policy, homework and reference services, and staff training and…

Examines how technology has changed the library systems since the 1970s and 1980s. Asserts that information retrieval has gained a speed and immediacy that it did not have a decade ago, and that library users have expectations of convenience when using electronic information sources, which has caused reference librarians to rethink traditional…