Provides an interim report on a project whose goal is to provide subject access to the knowledge of mankind at least as well as the skilled reference librarian. Classification and concept formation are discussed in terms of four modules: diagnostics of information-seeking behavior, network interface, subject access, and graphic interface. (EM)

Describes an instrument designed to assess the reference outcome in terms of patron report of success in finding what was wanted, rather than overall satisfaction. The results of a library survey which tested the reliability of this instrument and compared it with unobtrusive observation are reported. (Author/CLB)

For the past two decades the central Information Retrieval Services of the Max Planck Society has been providing database searches for scientists in Max Planck Institutes and Research Groups throughout Germany. As a supplement to traditional search services offered by professional intermediaries, they have recently fostered the introduction of a…

This annual report begins with an executive summary that presents highlights of FY (fiscal year) 1998 accomplishments of the National Library of Education (NLE) related to the ED (Education Department) Reference Center, ERIC, ED Web, USNEI (U.S. Network for Education Information), NEN (National Education Network), and marketing research and…

This document reports results of an online survey that examined practices and procedures in the management of electronic resources in 65 academic library reference departments. Responses are related to: (1) student population; (2) library use by community people; (3) number of public access workstations, workstations with World Wide Web access,…

Focuses on organizing and accessing federal documents in the public library. Highlights include reference service; staff training; access to the collection; collection maintenance; volunteers and community service workers; electronic products and public programs. (AEF)

As the need to access information increases, school librarians must create virtual libraries. Linked to reliable reference resources, the virtual library extends the physical collection and library hours and lets students learn to use Web-based resources in a protected learning environment. The growing number of virtual schools increases the need…

Explores ways librarians are using the Web for instruction and to support faculty use of the Web for teaching. Topics include identifying user characteristics and needs, including remote access; library planning; Web-based tools for user instruction, including tutorials; electronic reference; Web pages for courses, including faculty collaboration;…

Examines the effects of compact disk technology on a medium-sized academic library. Statistical data before and after the acquisition of compact disk indexes are compared in the areas of staff training; librarians' teaching loads; reference desk activity; periodicals acquisition, use, and retention; interlibrary loan activity; and online…

Libraries are moving to an environment where information resources are located worldwide and can be accessed from remote locations. Librarians need to free themselves from the constraints of the reference desk. Implementing a hierarchical model with a mix of librarian and nonlibrarian staffing can improve user services. (JMV)

Discusses ways in which academic and public librarians can provide help with multicultural and international topics in spite of unhelpful subject headings and weak collections, including an awareness of cultural bias; collection policies to support diversity; relearning the collections and access strategies; and restructuring reference searches.…

Examines Margaret Edwards' contribution to young adult services against the backdrop of contemporary ideas and practices. The following issues of young adult librarianship are discussed: Edwards and young adult literature; the balance between readers' advisory and reference services; and the role of the young adult librarian. (JLB)

Assessed library instruction initiatives with respect to OPACs by surveying 414 academic, public, school, and special libraries. Most participants' libraries have modified library OPAC software; librarians continue to teach use of the online catalog; few systems have built-in tutorials; and few have computer-assisted instruction. (Author/JKP)

Discusses the incorporation of CD-ROM technology into Georgia State University's William Russell Pullen Library, and considers its impact on reference services and bibliographic instruction. Concludes that technology increases the need for critical thinking skills, faculty-librarian interaction, and human resources for reference and technical…

Discusses a decline in patron requests for librarian-mediated searches of MEDLINE at Yale University's medical library and describes results of a survey that was conducted to determine possible reasons. The influences of miniMEDLINE (an in-house version), online end-user systems, and CD-ROMs outside the library are examined. (five references) (LRW)