The resources of thousands of books and pamphlets are housed in countless libraries throughout the United States; librarians codify, classify, and circulate these materials in ways that are often mysterious to library users. There are many ways to reduce this element of mystery: effective service at the reference desk; prominent signs and…

Despite the frequency with which library reference services are evaluated, there is a dearth of guidelines for the operation and evaluation of reference services. An American Library Association committee investigated the issue and made recommendations for improved reference operations, but the nature of information retrieval is rapidly changing,…

This description of the process used and the problems encountered by an amateur super 8 film maker in producing a 13 minute film on a limited budget for use in formal library instruction at the University of California at Berkeley, provides practical advice to prospective film makers contemplating a similar project. The film uses animation to…

Contains the text of the American Library Association Reference and Adult Services Division's guidelines entitled "A Commitment to Information Services." (PF)

An evaluation of the reference referral program at the University of California Library at Santa Barbara was conducted by a committee of the Librarians Association of the University (LAVC). This committee designed a referral form, a plan for its use, and a methodology for evaluating the program. Conclusions are complex and raise more questions…

Today's library users prefer a less formal relationship with the reference librarian. Library schools are responding to this trend by offering courses in communications strategy. Library researchers recommend sensitivity training for librarians. (JAB)

The purpose of this study is to review communication theory models and some of the literature from philosophy and linguistics in an attempt to supply a rational explanation for the generality of opening reference questions. (Author)

When a small agriculture research library initiated computer-based retrospective literature searches, there was a significant increase in the library's interlibrary loan activity. Results of a study to determine the extent to which interlibrary loan activity was affected by the implementation of this service are reported. (JPF)

The computer-based reference process includes the user pre-search form, appointments, search strategy negotiation, on-line sampling and on-line search session. The role of the search analyst, his personality and communication skills are discussed in relation to the success or failure of a computer search. (JAB)

If librarians from all areas of reference and information service understood their own roles better, then they might feel more capable of fruitful interchange transcending common institutional boundaries. (Author)

Twenty-five sets of "indirect" and "faculty information" questions were asked at two university library reference centers, one staffed by nonprofessionals and the other by professionals. The purpose was to determine relative success of professional and nonprofessional reference staff in (1) probing beyond "indirect" questions and (2) detecting and…

Discusses the rationale, principles, required tools, advantages, and disadvantages of the Multifile Multidisciplinary (Horizontal) Search approach to searching online databases. It is noted that this approach is characterized by the use of a large number of files spanning a wide variety of disciplines. (12 references) (MES)

Presents standards for reference services developed by the Suburban Library System (Illinois) and discusses the effects of the standards on youth services. Standards for a written reference plan, reference staff, reference sources, and evaluation are included. (11 references) (MES)

Discusses the role of the librarian in child abuse prevention, including the identification of high risk situations, provision of appropriate literature and support group information, and acting as a role model. An annotated bibliography of books for children and young adults in families at risk is provided. (8 references) (CLB)

Examines possible rules governing reference interviews: needs rule, wants rule, face value rule, and clarification rule. Face value rule is defended as a legitimate expression of one conception of the reference librarian's professional role, implying a restricted view of librarians' responsibility for outcome of reference inquiries. (MBR)