Describes a study undertaken by San Jose State University of business-related ready reference searches done at that library. The results suggest that within certain restrictions of patron questions, librarian training, search cost, and the database, ready reference online searches can be the most cost effective approach to providing business…

Reviews the decision of the law library at Southern Illinois University to integrate government publications into the general library collection. Aspects of managing an integrated collection are described, including technical processing of paper and microfiche documents, collection development and maintenance, and reference services. (CLB)

Compares artificial intelligence and information retrieval paradigms for natural language understanding, reviews progress to date, and outlines the applicability of artificial intelligence to question answering systems. A list of principal artificial intelligence software for database front end systems is appended. (CLB)

Addresses issues involved in implementing Out-Dial program at Pennsylvania State University Libraries, where the feasibility of using online catalog terminals to access external databases is undergoing evaluation. Placement of terminals and microcomputers, "ready reference" searching, vendors, training, cost-effective searching,…

"Library Journal" issues (1910, 1920) were examined to identify professional concerns having curricular impact on library education: management, public service, technical service, book sciences, Americanization. Six major educational concerns are discussed: role of on-the-job training; specialization; certification; leadership role of…

Presents results of survey based on sample of 500 U.S. academic libraries which was conducted during spring and summer of 1984 to gather descriptive data on current status of online searching and to predict future trends. Four broad categories are covered: availability; search service characteristics; evaluation; future trends. (31 references)…

This article describes use of the InfoTrac system, a self-contained periodical reference system designed for in-library use that provides coverage of 900 general interest, business, management, and economic periodicals, at Indiana University (Bloomington). Discussion covers InfoTrac installation, InfoTrac and student interaction, system…

Survey of 547 public library reference librarians compared to a similar study of teachers indicates that: 35% of librarians experienced burnout; burnout was high where role ambiguity and role conflict were present; role variable use in predicting burnout was statistically significant; comparison with teachers showed similarities and differences.…

Describes technological services provided by regional media centers, which generally serve more than one school district--reservation systems, reference, interactive video, computer-related uses, earth stations, microwave and slow-scan television, audio and video duplication, slide and film reproduction, printing, inspection of films and…

Reviews the research and commentary on individuals' questions and specific reference queries that characterize two general approaches in librarianship and other disciplines: question itself as phenomenon of questioner's behavior, linguistic performance, or cognitive state; interaction between question and answer focusing on appropriateness of…

Describes process by which reference service standards were developed at a university medical library and their impact on the evaluation of work of librarians. Highlights include establishment of preliminary criteria, literature review, reference service standards, performance evaluation, peer review, and staff development. Checklist of reference…

Reports results of user survey complemented by personal discussions organized to ascertain users' satisfaction with and impact of On-line Information Service (OLIS) introduced by University of Hong Kong Libraries in January 1980. Subject searches, relevance of citations, and costs are discussed. The questionnaire and OLIS requests form are…

Discussion of theoretical considerations and practical factors relating to use of library reference service highlights factors involved in desk approachability--need, communication and promotion, physical arrangement of department, positioning (which gives the product a clear image communicating its purpose or use), psychological cost (personal…

Describes instructional methods and resources used by school librarians in meeting responsibility to teach students steps of an information search, validity and kind of sources, why a particular book was used, and value of reference tools. Examples are given of reference tools and situations in which they might be used. (EJS)

Details the history of the San Francisco Mechanics' Institute, discussing the origins of mechanics' institutes and of early San Francisco and focusing on the policy of social control, the contributions of president Andrew Hallidie, and the importance of such program components as the lending and reference library, exhibitions, public lectures,…