This essay on the future of reference librarianship addresses elements necessary to guarantee continued vitality of the profession. Discussion covers person-to-person contacts with library users, recreational functions of library, fees and "information stamps," organizational structure of library, information consulting, project-team…

This description of state depository microformat programs provides an overview of various ways that microforms are being utilized. Pros and cons of comprehensive current microformatting programs, factors affecting success of any state depository program, whether microformat- or paper format-based, and the Iowa state documents depository program…

Academic librarians in Illinois were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward and recordkeeping practices for online searches. Findings indicate that confidentiality is considered to be as important for online searches as for circulation records, but that recordkeeping practices and attitudes toward subject and client disclosure do not assume…

Service to young adults in German public libraries expanded under the Nazis because of their idealization of youth. The elaborate structure created to propagate Nazi views determined the types of books and services available. Progress resulted from the accommodation to a totalitarian creed that was essentially evil. (EM)

Discusses a 1983 survey of 46 community college libraries concerning the use of computers, contrasting findings with those from a 1979 survey. Considers the number and practices of libraries participating in computer cataloging networks; using computer systems for cataloging, circulation, searching, and acquisitions; and making computers available…

Discusses the change of library music collections from long-playing (LP) recordings to compact discs (CD). Highlights include the drawbacks of LPs, disc prices and players, sound quality, logistics, selection of recordings, and a renewed commitment to sound recording facilities and collections. Ten sources are given. (EJS)

Describes adoption of microcomputer tutorial for library orientation at state-owned school of approximately 2,800 students. Highlights include advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer-assisted instruction, production of tutorial software, the program, evaluation, and revisions. Goals for library instruction and sampling of questions used to…

This essay offers suggestions to make online public access catalogs (OPACs) less idiosyncratic and more usable. Discussion covers qualitative difference between online catalog and predecessors, challenge of debunking assumptions, skills for success, maintaining an instructional perspective, catalog development for the people by the people, and the…

Realities of space limitations, microform availability, paper copy loss, and mutilation require that library patrons accept use of microforms. A public relations campaign, appropriately timed and involving staff training, displays, events, and publicity, can be used to inform and instruct patrons in availability and use of microform collections…

Discusses lives and careers of two important behavioral scientists; the processing, arranging, and describing of papers recently processed in Manuscripts and Archives, Yale University Library; research value of the two collections; and access and importance of finding aids to researchers and the institution that produces them. Seventeen footnotes…

Six articles on pros and cons of minimal-level cataloging (MLC) highlight patron access and browsability, time and cost savings, network and bibliographic utility cooperation, standards, alternatives to MLC, levels of records, online catalogs, experimental cataloging program at University of Michigan, and experiences at Kent State University…

Description of information services from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) highlights a new system for retrieving information from NLM's databases (GRATEFUL MED); a formal Regional Medical Library Network; DOCLINE; the Unified Medical Language System; and Integrated Academic Information Management Systems. Research and development and the…

On the eve of a major change in communications media (from printing to widespread electronic publishing), this article reexamines and projects into future the library's fundamental role as a social institution. Discussion covers three environmental trends, library as an institution, and public policy and economic choices. Twenty references are…

Archival collections of Edison, Olmsted, Morristown, and Longfellow National Historic Sites offer examples of how documentary collections have been handled in the past, and of ways in which National Park Service is beginning to address cultural resource management issues (arrangement, preservation, cataloging, research use) of archives and…

Uses general developmental framework to explain relationship of play, toys, and development of young children, and to support toy lending in libraries. An evaluative approach for library toy selection which is based on meeting children's psychological needs is suggested together with 11 titles to aid librarians in establishing toy-lending…