The progress, potential, and problems of a fee-based, custom designed library research service for business and industry called INFORM are discussed. (JB)

Library Pathfinders offer the opportunity to share reference methodology in an organized, nationwide manner. Intended to introduce users to the variety of information sources available, Pathfinders have been published in a wide range of disciplines. The authors describe Pathfinders and indicate how they can provide improved user service and…

The Office of Standard Reference Data surveyed by mail 2,700 selected members of the Special Libraries Association to check their knowledge and use of NSRDS publications. The survey revealed that distribution and dissemination procedures of NSRDS publications need improvement. (Author/NH)

The purpose of this program is to create an environment which encourages both a change in library styles and priorities, and concomitantly, a change in the patterns of library use. (1 reference) (Author)

The emphasis in the Wabash project is on "gates" because the whole span of research opens through about eight different families of resource materials -- catalog, bibliography, encyclopedia, handbook, index, dictionary, abstract, book review source. (36 references) (Author)

Thirty-five library school students enrolled in a course at Peabody Library School on Bibliography of the Social Sciences" were asked to latch on to a graduate student in one of the social sciences, discover his library needs, and see what could be done to meet them. (MM)

This discussion of the development of library reference service standards and guidelines for service measurement highlights the work of the American Library Association (ALA) Committee on Standards, guidelines adopted by ALA's Reference and Adult Services Division, and efforts of state, public, and university libraries. Fourteen references are…

Describes the nature of listening behavior and demonstrates how the technique of active listening can be an appropriate approach to enhancing communication between librarians and library patrons during the reference interview. Examples of active listening at the reference desk and suggestions on the effective use of this skill are provided.…

Examines the issue of OCLC benefits for special libraries in terms of find rates and suggests that special libraries consider OCLC participation when find rates are low. (FM)

Summarizes the literature which examines the formal and informal methods by which library reference services instruct the library user in the pursuit of information. (FM)

Describes the design and development of the Reference Librarian Enhancement System (REFLES), a microcomputer based system for in-house data files. The REFLES prototype is described in its test form, followed by presentation of the working environment, problems, and evaluation of the current version. Future possibilities of REFLES are also…

Seventeen idea tactics to aid information specialists in furthering a reference search are defined as parts of total search strategies, and are grouped into idea generation and pattern breaking modes. Problems in testing such tactics are discussed. (FM)

Identifies a conflict between the kind of reference service that many librarians of tax-supported academic and public libraries have accepted as workable within their institutions and the kind of reference service that has evolved for those who can pay for online bibliographic searches in these same libraries. (Author)

Real questions, with no predetermined answers, were submitted by students in an introductory reference class and used to supplement instructor developed problems sets for practice in answering reference questions. The methodology and benefits are discussed. (Author/MBR)

Reviews the evolution of library community service patterns in reference and adult services, recognizes the fluidity of community information needs in terms of library response, research, and technology, and discusses questions pertaining to service innovations. References are included. (FM)