Discusses measurement and evaluation as ways to justify reference work to users and library administration. A trivia contest is cited as a way to achieve public recognition, and measuring use of reference materials rather than the number of reference questions is recommended. User surveys and other measures of reference activity and value are also…

Examines changes in the newsmaking process following the introduction of an electronic newspaper library system. Finds that, although all journalists reported using clip files, 16 percent did not use the electronic library when it was installed. (RS)

Examines the role of library reference services in the enhancement of cultural literacy. The discussion covers the relationship between the extent of cultural literacy possessed by reference librarians and the quality of librarian patron interactions, and the role of reference sources in the cultural literacy of librarians and patrons. (53…

This study examined the influence of (1) the setting of the reference interview on the interaction and (2) accuracy and the librarian's behavior on the success of the reference interview. Tables display correlations between the interpersonal, interviewing and listening, and searching skills of the librarian with the patron's willingness to return…

Describes the role of the information specialist in a corporate information center and discusses the three areas that define this role--collection, access, and service. Advantages and disadvantages of being a corporate information specialist are considered. (one reference) (MES)

Describes the experiences of a librarian who assists with prison law library outreach for the Minneapolis State Law Library. Topics addressed include the importance of good reference interviews; legal reference versus legal advice; confidentiality; and the rewards of public service. (LRW)

Examines libraries' policies of keeping patron records private and confidential. Addresses the idea that libraries use their automated systems to retain and use patron data to develop and improve library services. Describes uses of patron data that can help libraries develop targeted services to users to better meet their information needs. (JMV)

The library community will be faced with the challenge of redefining services to accommodate the growing population of older adults. These services should take into consideration factors such as level of education, ethnicity, stage in life and mobility while incorporating technology and lifelong learning into creative programs. (JKP)

Describes a program developed at the Stratford (Connecticut) Public Library Young Adult Department that combined a support group with an aerobics class for young women to build self-esteem, to develop a sense of purpose, to recognize talents and learn how to use them, and to learn how to cope with problems. (LRW)

Describes the automation of the ready reference card file at the California State University, Long Beach library. Topics discusses include the use of dBase III Plus software; keyword fields for multiple access points; the source field and other fields; a menu-driven interface; and file creation and maintenance. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

A review of the literature uncovers a spectrum of information services involving American Indians, although in many cases the types of libraries and their missions differ from those of the dominant culture. The focus is on tribal and reservation library services, which have been kept alive in the face of many obstacles. (SLD)

Presents a history of children's book publishing that focuses on past, current, and future trends and reviews how these trends affect library budgets and services. Highlights include an examination of elements that have affected children's book publishing and sales and a discussion of the creation of Children's Book Week, an effort to publish…

Reviews the effects of technology on interlibrary loan (ILL) services, and discusses ILL at the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Examined the number of ILL requests at SIUC from 1983 to 1993, and found that ILL requests have not increased for undergraduates, despite the increased quantity of information available. (JMV)

Reviews this collection of papers, edited by Ann P. Bishop, which present the current state of networking as it relates to libraries and the community. Recommends the book as a compendium of lessons, learned and to be learned, as networked information becomes an integral and necessary part of the library world. (JMV)

Discusses the need to improve library and information services for the deaf community, describes technological support available, offers current examples and future possibilities, addresses the needs of users with multiple disabilities, considers compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and suggests guidelines for serving the…