Identifies the advantages and limitations of online search services offered by libraries, cautioning the searcher and user to consider and evaluate all options before performing online search. The librarian's responsibility to solve the user's information problem in a desirable way is discussed. Five references are listed. (EJS)

Discussion of the public library's need to provide personal and crisis information to teenagers highlights ways to meet their needs, e.g., gaining credibility, promoting services; outreach activities, e.g., booktalking, information resource files; cooperative activities with community services and agencies; and teenagers as a natural resource.…

Comments based on actual reference use of Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN II)--formerly BALLOTS--in a library environment focus on RLIN files, interlibrary loan, search keys, and subject searches. This article updates a description of BALLOTS as it was developed by Stanford University to support cataloging and acquisitions (Online,…

Assesses the state of the public library, briefly reviewing the history of the institution and discussing library purpose, services, and patrons at the present and in the future. Seven references are provided. (EJS)

Examines reduction of public library services as way to deal with problem of higher costs in time of decreasing revenues and discusses the need to understand current economic situation and relationship between public library support and economic prosperity. Economic theories, stagflation, individual prosperity, and ways to plan for austerity are…

The conditions of four specialist education libraries in Florence and Bologna reveal the desperate need for inservice teacher training and more adequate planning of infrastructural facilities such as libraries. (AM)

Discusses new directions and patterns of service as the academic library shifts from providing access to sources of information to providing information itself. Services of the University of Rochester Library System are cited as using interpersonal communications and public relations skills to provide resources and technologies. Four references…

Reviews books and periodicals relating to library involvement with video and notes upcoming meetings focusing on this area. (LLS)

Using microcomputers in libraries, media centers, and learning resource centers is viewed to be not as difficult as previously thought, due to all the possible levels of involvement. Urges libraries to purchase microcomputers now to get an early start. (MP)

Describes the Pacific Northwest Bibliographic Center's use of Electronic Mail Systems to transmit and receive interlibrary loan requests among the network's member libraries. Cost was determined to be minimal when compared to benefits of faster turn-around time, savings in staff time, and improved communications. (RAA)

Identifies policy matters to be addressed in establishing policy for computer based reference services: background and objectives; service organization and modes of operation; staff selection; training and personnel issues; service procedures; and specific search policies. Six sources are listed. (RBF)

Discusses problems of depository libraries such as volume of publications received, understaffing, subject and author/title access, currency of material, financing, and lack of theory and research. An "ideal" access system and an action program for its implementation are described. Four references are listed. (CHC)

Describes recent technological developments which are making libraries increasingly accessible to the deaf and hearing impaired. (LLS)

Discusses the author's experiences and beliefs regarding the role of the children's librarian in the reviewing and publishing of children's literature, and the goals of public library service for children. (CMV)

Describes the five categories of videotex systems, the experimental uses of videotex, and its implications for libraries as a service delivery medium. (FM)