Describes the introduction of virtual, or digital, reference service at the University of New Brunswick libraries. Highlights include analyzing transcripts from LIVE (Library Information in a Virtual Environment); reference question types; ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) information literacy competency standards; and the Big 6…

Provides information on "free money" books so that librarians can help patrons seeking resources for financial help. Discusses where to find information on federal government grants; funding sources for home loans and business start-ups; and health care resources. Lists several publications that may be helpful resources of financial aid.…

Describes an initiative of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Scholars Portal Initiative, a three-year collaborative effort which seeks to provide tools for an academic community to have a single point of access on the Web to find high-quality information resources and to deliver the information and related services directly to the…

Presents a brief summary of Cooperative Economic Game Theory, followed by a summary of specific measures identified by Nash, Shapley, and Harsanyi. Reviews contexts in which negotiation and cooperation among libraries is of special economic importance, and for two of these contexts-cooperative acquisitions and cooperative automation-illustrates…

Examines current manifestations of museum-library partnerships in light of the post-object roles assumed independently by these institutions. Suggests that libraries assume a role traditionally associated with museums by incorporating objects into their collections. Two historical precedents and two models are presented. (Contains 65 references.)…

Summarizes the debate concerning use of desks versus counters in reference areas of academic libraries. Librarians argued whether patrons were more likely to approach a standing or a sitting librarian. In general, patrons preferred approaching a standing librarian; however, only small studies were conducted. In practice, libraries are designed in…

Responds to an article that argued that the Internet is causing college libraries to reduce their resources. Suggests the library's role as a service provider cannot be supplanted by the Internet. Offers advice for increasing campus library usage, including librarian and faculty partnerships. (NB)

Discusses results of a usability study at the University of Illinois Chicago that investigated whether Internet search engines have influenced the way students search library Web sites. Results show students use the Web site's internal search engine rather than navigating through the pages; have difficulty interpreting library terminology; and…

Describes a needs assessment process that was developed for the Soledad branch library, which is located in a rural, predominantly Spanish-speaking community. Questionnaires for users and nonusers are described, community residents' involvement is discussed, desirable library services are suggested, and needs in a bilingual community are…

A strong relationship between staff morale and quality of reference service is suggested by this preliminary study of 37 public library reference department staff members, with further study recommended. Other factors studied included rapport with unit heads, patron relations, group cohesion, and work environment. (53 references) (EAM)

Describes issues raised during a major reorganization and consolidation of reference services at Oregon State University. Attitudes of reference librarians and library administrators are reported, steps involved in the reorganization are outlined, and reactions from faculty are discussed with emphasis on the need for cooperation between librarians…

Focuses on a nationally run reading and discussion program called "Let's Talk about It" as an example of the kind of community outreach program that universities could employ to the mutual advantage of institutions and the public that they serve. (RS)

Describes the content, structure, and methodology of a bibliographic instruction module on the subject of modern French language and literature that was implemented at the University of Nice (France). The university library is described, library resources and services are explained, and an evaluation of the course is offered. (nine references)…

Discusses the findings of a national survey of public libraries that focused on service to older adults. Areas discussed include services most frequently provided, services to the institutionalized, the impact of ageism on library policies, and the extent of cooperation with other agencies. (18 references) (CLB)

Summarizes the results of a study that identified researchable issues related to the role of libraries in the information society. Specific research questions are presented within the categories of access to information; information needs and users; libraries and education; library models; the role of public services librarians; and education and…