Examines cultural and personal factors which may affect an individual's request for medical information from a librarian and the concept of the librarian as "educator-catalyst" working with health care professionals, highlighting self-destructive tendencies of society, negative effects of some advertising, the flood tide of health…

Provides an individual's response to article by Dr. Paul Kay in the same issue of "RQ" regarding the use of health care information. Patron's health-related needs, the role of the librarian, the reference interview, and bibliotherapy are highlighted. Five references are listed. (EJS)

Briefly summarizes the results of a recent American Library Association (ALA) study on "Financing Online Search Services in Publicly Supported Libraries." The background of the survey, the general patterns revealed by responses concerning the kinds of fees charged to users, and the availability of the complete study are included. (JL)

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of online availability of computerized versions of encyclopedias and notes works currently and soon to be online, searching strategies (subject headings and full-text), cost effectiveness, and librarian skepticism. (EJS)

Discusses the use of pathfinders, i.e., bibliographic tools designed to assist patrons in locating published information in specific fields by themselves. Use of pathfinders as teaching tools and special suggestions for their development by public libraries are noted. A pathfinder on personal financial management is included. (EJS)

Outlines structural changes in the information supply community effected by the emergence of computer-searchable files as a major information resource together with other developments in electronic technology. Database definitions, interface differences, DuPont experiences, and options available to libraries and information centers are discussed.…

Eliminates communication apprehension (CA) as a variable influencing the initiation of an interaction between student searcher and reference librarian. Respondents regardless of CA level behave similarly in the search process prior to approaching a librarian. An aided-recall interview form is appended, and there are 14 references. (RAA)

Discusses the benefits and complexity of reference within the serials department and its interrelationship with general reference service. Practical solutions are suggested for problems of training, staffing and organization of serials reference service. (RAA)

Presents the results of a survey conducted by the ALA Office for Research to determine current practices with respect to the financing of online services in public libraries. Special emphasis is placed upon questions surrounding the imposition of user fees for such services. Seven tables summarize the data. (JL)

Discusses the special collections and archival materials often found in medium-sized public libraries which should be fully used by historical researchers. It is suggested that public libraries need to advertise their collections which are of historical interest and to be more aware of the needs of the historical researcher. (Author/JL)

Considers the problem of predicting monthly demands for library network services, especially the use of forecasts as inputs to policy analysis models and as aids to budgeting and staffing decisions. Several forecasting methods are discussed. (FM)

Identifies several common attitudes of institutions, trainees, and trainers regarding the training of a backup searcher. Ten tips are given for dealing with the less-than-perfect training situation, with recommendations (depending on the combination of attitudes) for internal or external training, or both. (SW)

Describes the integration of a library orientation session with an information resources assignment in which students write papers describing resources available in their particular areas of specialty. (TJ)

Discusses the results of a 1979 survey of Canadian libraries in postsecondary education to determine the extent to which library automation is being used. (CHC)

The developments over the past decade in the use of on-line systems by libraries are recounted. Cost is discussed as an initial deterrent, and then as a catalyst for change. (MBR)