Analysis of one component of library reference service--online numeric database systems for time-series data--reviews tradition of reference service and ways in which computer technology has enhanced provision of library services. Experiences with Kentucky Economic Information System (KEIS) are described. Examples of KEIS and 30 references are…

Examines five factors critical to the successful functioning of search analysts as reference librarians: professional training, background knowledge and working experience in references services, personality characteristics and interpersonal skills, the marketing of online services, and patron evaluations supplemented by postsearch reference…

Examines the role of the public library in providing outreach services to migrant farm workers, citing experiences of three public library systems in the areas of information and referral, bookmobiles, and funding. Physical and psychological inaccessibility are discussed. Three references are cited. (EJS)

Discusses use of computer programs in handling such library tasks as cataloging, inventory, and circulation. Reviews several programs and provides a listing of available library software. These include library catalog programs, circulation/overdues programs, and inventory control. (JN)

Discusses rise of videotex and teletext systems (delivery of graphic and textual information through electronic systems) in the United States, noting the role of libraries and librarians in providing these services. Corporate involvement, U.S. markets, library reference services, and major issues confronting growth are noted. Two references are…

Presents the results of a study on data collection instruments, specifically questionnaires, used by libraries in evaluating resource use and institutional effectiveness. A number of causes for inconsistent survey results are identified and problems with imprecision in survey question terminology are discussed. (JL)

Briefly looks at the present use of computers in library reference service for bibliographic database searching, then surveys the future as indicated by recent developments and ongoing research. Cooperative online reference, local databases, and increasing ease of online information retrieval are discussed. Included are 40 references. (Author/JL)

Argues that effective library service must provide access to a broad and unrestricted store of both traditional and popular information materials to serve the educational and informational needs of the public. Extensive lists of literary and audio resources for popular materials are provided, as well as 16 references. (RAA)

Discusses reasons for library involvement in the development of videotex in Canada, and proposes the use of a hypothetical videotex system with library staff and patrons as a closed user group to provide data for evaluating the impact of videotex on library services. Notes and 10 references are provided. (CHC)

Describes the current and future activities of the IFLA Section of Library Services to Hospital Patients and Handicapped Readers. These include revision of standards, a selection of books for the mentally handicapped, an international bibliography, projected services for the deaf, and various publishing activities. There are five references.…

Orr's schema for measuring the quality and value of libraries is described and discussed with respect to three paradoxes--the evaluation of catalogs, optimal library size, and Lenin's view of public libraries in the U.S. Seven references are cited. (CHC)

Discusses the current level of library development and librarianship in francophone West Africa, taking Senegal as a case in point. The topics addressed include the impact of colonialism on library development, the structure of library services, the role of UNESCO seminars in library development, and the education of library personnel. (JL)

Addresses the public service needs of microformatted pamphlets, periodicals, newspapers, report collections, and government publications, and discusses the various bibliographic tools necessary for librarians and users to access the research materials. Fifteen references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Details are provided of the development of a new library at Clarkson College. It was seen from the start that the new center needed to be viewed as the hub of a campus-wide system to provide integrated informational support for instructional, research, and administrative activities of the entire college. (MP)

Describes the hardware and software of a computerized journal of the future, and discusses the development of the system and its impact on libraries, users, publishers, authors, and journals. Seven references are cited. (CHC)