Two knowledge-based systems (KBS) are compared and contrasted; a test, based on 15 typical United States government document reference questions about the federal level of government, measured correct responses and keystroke efficiency. Concludes that there is a need for improvement of KBS in the government information field. (Author/AEF)

Examines the implications of applying the queuing theory to three different reference situations: (1) random patron arrivals; (2) random durations of transactions; and (3) use of two librarians. Tables and figures represent results from spreadsheet calculations of queues for each reference situation. (JMV)

Gives a historical explanation of library confidentiality policies and procedures and reviews notable invasions of patron privacy through use of library records by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Also reports on a study that examined patron confidentiality policies in Texas academic library reference…

The history of user evaluation of reference service is traced and related to other methods of reference evaluation, including librarian self-reports of success, behavioral guidelines, and observation. The advantages and disadvantages of user-report methodology are considered. (Author/AEF)

Reviews the development of codes of ethics for library reference service and the deficiencies of the code approach; surveys published case studies and hypothetical situations on the issue of unbiased service; and proposes a value-based approach that clarifies the real conflicts and leads to personal decision-making. (34 references) (LRW)

Discusses the diverse client base served by the Wayne State University Law Library (Michigan) which includes secondary school students, undergraduates, paralegals, law students, attorneys, faculty, the general public, court reporters, legal secretaries, and librarians. An information service center and research guides developed to serve patron…

Describes the availability of databases held on DIALOG, ESA-IRS, and DATA-STAR. Database overlap among the systems, prices, database contents, and data transmission costs are addressed; and results of a search of the ENVIROLINE database on each system are presented. The appendix lists subjects referenced on each system and compares database…

Argues that for librarianship to become the information profession in a changing society, the continuing education environment for librarians must be strengthened. Proposes that, rather than recruiting new blood, professional education must focus on developing skilled continuing education practitioners and develop strategies to ensure the…

Compares OCLC's competitively priced online search services--EPIC, designed for librarians and experienced searchers, and FirstSearch, designed for end-users. Discussed are databases offered, ease of searching, holdings information, training needs, and pricing. Appendices of available databases and indexes for each service are included. (four…

Describes how anyone with a personal computer and a telephone can easily go "online" with hundreds of different bulletin board services (BBS), many of which are ideal data sources and information exchanges for amateur scientists. Lists contact information for selected commercial and governmental BBS systems. (Author/JJK)

Reviews research and writing on reference services in archives. Topics discussed include user studies of archives; the accuracy and efficiency of archival reference; the impact of technology on research in archives; interaction between researchers and reference archivists; and research needs in archival reference. (48 references) (LRW)

DISCOVER is a computer-based career decision-making system used in many libraries. In the stand-alone model, DISCOVER is used as a reference resource. In the librarian-facilitated model, the librarian provides counseling support as well as information. (SK)

Discussion of reference question negotiation by librarians focuses on a study at the Orem (Utah) Public Library that was conducted to determine how frequently the reference staff negotiated questions, how frequently negotiated questions received correct answers, and what verbal and nonverbal communication skills led to correct answers. (five…

Describes use of the contingent valuation method, a survey technique, to estimate the economic value that patrons attached to reference-desk service in the Virginia Commonwealth University library. Argues that the appropriate measure of patron benefit from reference service includes use value and option value. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of transaction log analysis at academic libraries focuses on its use for managerial purposes, specifically personnel scheduling at the reference desk. Describes a study that examined data from two academic libraries and data from one of the libraries that had been collected 10 years ago. (LRW)