This article is a condensed version of a presentation from the 1991 Public Library Association (PLA) conference that addressed the need for appropriate responses by libraries to changing ethnic and racial populations. Topics discussed include racism, cultural competence in the library profession, adjusting library services, effective leadership,…

Discussion of changing demographics and implications for academic libraries focuses on the expected increases in the numbers of Blacks and international students. Educational trends are discussed; and program ideas for academic libraries preparing for a multicultural environment are suggested, including sensitivity training for staff, minority…

Reviews the Senior Library Assistants course at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Library (Nigeria). The following six subject areas included in the curriculum are discussed: (1) libraries, information, and society; (2) collection development; (3) organization of library materials; (4) reader's services; (5) preservation; and (6) library…

Offers a model for choosing among CD-ROM, end user access, mediated online searching, or locally mounted files as alternatives for extending online catalogs and replacing printed indexes. Estimates of demand and comparisons of costs made at Trinity and Clemson Universities provide a quantitative framework for selection. (Contains four references.)…

Describes an evaluation of a CD-ROM wide-area network at the University of Pittsburgh libraries. Reference staff were interviewed on their use of and satisfaction with the network; student assistants were asked about the type and amount of user assistance they provide; and users were surveyed. Suggestions for future enhancements are offered.…

Twelve articles describe the impact of library technologies on reference services. Staff training, the academic librarian as teacher and information provider, decision-making models for planning reference services, patron database access options, management of reference services, systemwide electronic access, and the electronic library are among…

Discussion of electronic information access in libraries focuses on five areas that impact quality and cost: (1) hardware, including networking, graphics, and full-text capabilities; (2) software; (3) access and utilization, including Internet and instruction and training; (4) licensing, including suggestions for publishers as well as librarians;…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 40 recent scholarly and general works of interest to reference workers in university libraries. Topics areas covered include philosophy, religion, language, literature, architecture, economics, law, area studies, Russia and the Soviet Union, women's studies, and Christopher Columbus. New editions and…

Discusses the training of professional and paraprofessional staff who do reference work in public, academic, and school libraries. The source-centered teaching approach versus teaching the search process is discussed, user needs are considered, and the use of Dewey Decimal Classification to teach the organization of the collection is described.…

Views the learning resources center (LRC) as the most accessible place at two-year colleges to apply microcomputers to instruction, pointing to the potential for LRC involvement in microlabs, computer-assisted instruction, staff development, software collection development, providing assistance with interactive authoring systems, automated…

This issue contains 12 articles that present library perspectives on information literacy. Topics discussed include critical thinking and bibliographic instruction (BI); learning style theory and reference desk interviews; teaching information retrieval to end users; library instruction for faculty; cognitive authority; question formulation…

Discusses advances in microcomputer and optical technologies and how these technologies are being integrated into library reference work. Topics discussed include training of library reference staff; library bibliographic instruction; CD-ROMs; videodiscs; hypertext; bibliographies; library catalogs, including online catalogs; indexing and…

Presents nine articles that suggest public relations ideas for public libraries and junior and senior high school libraries. Highlights include a campaign designed to win community support for new public library service; reaching out to students, teachers, administrators, the school board, the community, and other librarians; newsletters; and the…

Provides an empirical review of problems facing library users with visual impairments using computers, and reviews some of the technology that can help alleviate these problems. Highlights include software; GUI (Graphical User Interfaces); advising and training; library automation; and appendices that list further sources of relevant information.…

Examines visions of libraries in 23 science fiction novels aimed at young adult readers. Aspects of librarianship explored include physical environment or building; reference and user services; networking and data transfer; librarians; electronic publishing and material format; and copyright, user fees, and freedom of access to information.…