The minimum requirement for a hospital medical library is that it provide the books, journals and other materials necessary to serve the immediate information needs of the professional staff and to support the programs undertaken by the hospital. Since it is impossible for any library to have all the materials that might be requested by the…

In 1971 the Board of the Midwestern Regional Library System authorized a study of the periodical collections of the major public libraries, the three universities, and one community college within the Region. It was felt that the study would have immediate implications for the Regional library's developing "Information Services Program,"…

This compilation of proceedings and documents from the Bay Area Reference Center Workshop on Information and Referral, held in September 1976, Contains information pertaining to: (1) personal style of the reference librarian, (2) initiating and maintaining an Information and Referral Resource File, (3) interagency cooperation on human service…

Describes the research objectives, rationale, methodology, and findings of a model program developed at the Northwestern University Library, which examined whether online catalogs require instruction and, if so, how that instruction would be best delivered. (CLB)

Reviews arguments for and against fees for online services and describes a supply side model in which the library absorbs the costs of online searching. The implementation of this policy at an academic library is evaluated and detailed guidelines for implementing such a policy are provided. (CLB)

Outlines the evaluation criteria used by the reference department at the Williams Library at the University of Mississippi in selecting databases and hardware used in CD-ROM workstations. The factors discussed include database coverage, costs, and security. (CLB)

Describes a prototype expert system that can be used in consultation mode to assist users in their searches, or in simulation coach or Socratic tutor modes to instruct professionals in the reference process. Examples of transactions in each mode are given, and a glossary is provided. (19 notes with references) (CLB)

Describes existing library services for disabled individuals at libraries in the Chicago area, and discusses issues that need to be addressed in planning for such services; e.g., financial support, accessibility, adjusting services to patron needs, mainstreaming, and outreach programs. (19 notes with references) (CLB)

Describes a computerized reference and bibliographic instruction system currently under development at the University of Waterloo Library. The functions of the system, which will include query negotiation, suggestions for research strategies, referral to appropriate reference materials, information on library services and locations, and library…

The needs of the user of theater arts resources are examined in three articles describing the types of services and materials required by amateur theater groups, television researchers, and secondary schools. Ways in which libraries, archives, and museums can meet these requirements are suggested. (CLB)

A survey of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) information in libraries measured scope of information, scope of reference and referral patterns, and librarians' opinions on the adequacy of AIDS information relative to patron needs and community education. Librarians should take an active role in developing collections and networks about…

Describes the organizational structure of the research unit of the Parliamentary Library of Canada and lists a variety of services offered to Parliamentary members, committees, associations, and delegations. (CLB)

Argues that reference services will not only survive changes brought about by new technologies, but will be improved and enhanced as a result. Examples given include online public access catalogs, automated record-keeping operations, CD-ROM as an information storage medium, the continuing need for intermediaries in online searching, and copyright…

Based on manual observation of 187 zero result online searches at a university library, this article addresses three types of problems that can produce such search results: multiple database searching, topic negotiation, and database availability. A summary of conceptual and practical recommendations for searchers are provided. (6 references) (EJS)

Research libraries play essential role in the dissemination of both bibliographic and numerical information, including acquisition, processing, cataloging, retrieval, and document delivery. Most functions have been affected dramatically by application of the computer and library services at Massachusetts Institute of Technology that have evolved…