Regardless of the inadequacies of the new information retrieval systems, and despite the serious social inequalities which will result from charging fees for information, most libraries are incorporating the computer-assisted bibliographic searching devices into their reference operations, and passing the costs on to the users. (Author)

Potential community services are described in the areas of adult literacy programs, promotion of the arts, and use of library archives to investigate local history. The importance of the librarian's community involvement is stressed. (MBR)

A general overview is presented of this issue focusing on institution libraries. Articles are concerned with users of libraries, institutional environments, historical changes, the varying needs of adults and children, library materials, public library cooperation, and education programs for institution librarians. Correctional facilities are…

This paper discusses conceptual frameworks for the understanding of the institutionalized child's psychological needs; effects that illness and institutionalization have on the psychological development of children; and ways that knowledge in these areas can help the librarian design a perceptive and flexible library program to meet their…

Business Administration-Economics Library staff at the University of Texas at Austin evaluated 18,738 reference questions gathered over a three-year period. Steps were taken to reduce the directional and informational questions with the expectation of increasing the number of general reference questions. (Author)

Whatever it is that's puzzling you, the chances are that the people at your public library either have the answer or can speedily locate the information to set you straight. (Editor)

This paper is concerned with the present system of providing information about public services. It discusses desirable features in a delivery system for administrative publicity, establishing a directory of public services, and related indexing. (KP)

Discusses the advantages of parallel processor computers in terms of expandibility, cost, performance and reliability, and suggests that such computers be used in library automation systems as a cost effective approach to planning for the growth of information services and computer applications. (CLB)

This essay focuses on types of health information the public is seeking and sources for obtaining health data. Discussion of librarian's role in providing health information covers legal entanglements, reference interview, collections and services provided by academic health science libraries, hospital libraries, and public libraries, and future…

These guidelines for library services designed to meet the particular needs of older adults cover special library materials, outreach programs, utilization of older adults as volunteers and employees, relationships with other agencies, and including this population in library planning and resource allocations. (CLB)

Identifies aspects of reference services amenable to evaluation, discusses the need for measures of service quality as well as quantity, presents modifications of current measures that meet this need, and stresses the importance of linking performance measures to library planning. (CLB)

Discusses the need for reference librarians to learn reference materials well enough to be able to review materials and correctly refer patrons to information sources. The review process is outlined and some evaluation of current reference services is provided. (CLB)

The first of two articles on the acquisition and implementation of a large laserdisk service at Texas A&M University covers funding, donor recognition, selection and ordering of databases, planning and integrating the service with other information services, and future funding and plans. (5 references) (MES)

Suggests ways of using computers to access the periodical literature including integrated public access catalogs; natural language display; network access to area union lists; links between indexing and location tools; access to journal content through the online catalog; broadened search capabilities; and remote user access with document…

Briefly describes the current status of artificial intelligence and expert systems, and explores the possible applications in libraries and information centers. The implications for reference services, classification and cataloging processes, and assistance to patrons desiring in-depth reading of an area of knowledge are discussed. (4 references)…