Describes the development of OhioLINK, a statewide integrated information access network linking library collections at state schools, community colleges, two-year technical colleges, and the state library in Ohio. Discussion includes aspects of OhioLINK such as document delivery service; regional depositories; plans for extensive online access to…

A retired library administrator discusses contemporary reference service based on his experience as a volunteer at the reference desk of an academic library. Narrative includes education; experience; work setting; training; impressions of users; knowledge acquired from fellow reference librarians; and print and electronic resources. (AEF)

Discusses problems in scholarly communication, particularly pricing strategies for scientific and technical journals and their impact on academic libraries' collection development. Highlights include the growth rate in scholarly titles; serials expenditures; research and development expenditures; expenditures at Louisiana State University; shared…

A collection of eight articles discusses resource sharing in a variety of settings. Highlights include: community networks, document delivery in library consortia, Internet access for schools, automation and resource sharing at community college libraries, lending of special collections materials, cooperative rural library services, and web sites…

Based on experiences at Brandeis University libraries, and findings from management literature, a discussion (with figures) is presented on the challenges faced by libraries in integrating technology and information services. Reviews reasons why change is needed, examines information services as a team-based approach, and presents management…

Discusses the challenges and opportunities facing social science academic reference librarians working with researchers in a rapidly changing technological environment. Highlights include faculty relations and training needs; assistance to graduate students, such as suggestions for bibliographic instruction; information products and user…

Discusses the concept of electronic workstations and describes four different types: (1) the academic workstation; (2) the reference workstation (i.e., for end users); (3) the information specialist workstation; and (4) the workstation for management information. The creation of a new integrated information center (ICC) is also described. (11…

Revised by the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association, these guidelines outline factors to consider in seeking input on material selection for public and academic libraries. Topics addressed include the purpose of the guidelines, user groups, collection development, communication with users, and outcomes. (EA)

Describes the design of a prototype adaptive online catalog that was implemented as a transparent workstation-based front end system to MELVYL, the online catalog for the University of California libraries. Problems with searching bibliographic retrieval systems are reviewed, including irrelevant retrievals and the inexperience of most users.…

Discusses influences that electronic technologies are having on academic libraries. Highlights include the combination of computer technology and telecommunications; the impact of integrated systems; adding value to information through the use of workstations and online databases; teaching and learning roles of librarians; library user fees; and…

Provides background on the adoption of standards for reference service in public, special, academic, and high school libraries by the Suburban Library System (Illinois) and discusses their implementation and plans for evaluation. Highlights of the standards for written policies, staff, and resources are given; and the problem of noncompliance is…

Fourteen undergraduate students who had successfully completed research projects were surveyed on their research processes, including focusing their topic, finding and using evidence, and writing. Their responses revealed significant differences between the way they actually do research and standard search strategies, and the implications of these…

Describes changes in reference services in academic libraries prompted by new electronic formats and services. Four main areas are discussed: (1) changes in the philosophy of reference services and the types of reference services offered; (2) accessing reference services, including greater direct access by patrons; (3) physical configurations of…

Describes preliminary results of a longitudinal study that examined implementation of an automated library system in a three-college consortium, focusing on technical services departments. Mutual adaptation research and factors affecting implementation are discussed. Findings on organizational issues, changes in work and workflow, role changes,…

Literature analysis indicates that surveys are not widely used in the planning process for academic libraries because of difficulties with design of user studies, translation of survey results into management decisions, and acceptance of survey data by librarians. Trends such as competition from private information sources will force a change in…