Discusses the impact of CD-ROM services on reference departments and describes the development of a troubleshooting manual for the Library of Science and Medicine at Rutgers University. The seven steps followed in writing the manual are presented, and it is noted that it has proved to be an effective support for reference and CD-ROM services. (21…

Discussion of selection of the InfoTrac Expanded Academic Index database of journal citations to add to the online catalog at a university library considers access to full text on microfilm, coverage, differences between CD-ROM and tape versions, pricing, search capabilities, printing, and downloading. Comparisons are made with the UMI Data…

Discusses ways that school media specialists can address the needs of latchkey children and at-risk students. A total of 21 resources providing background information and suggestions for dealing with the issues involved are listed. (MES)

Summarizes state-level activities in Illinois, Connecticut, Nevada, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Montana, New York, Oklahoma, Colorado, Minnesota, Florida, and Wisconsin that influenced recommendations at state pre-White House Conference on Library and Information Services meetings for improved library services to children and young adults. A position…

Discussion of development in academic libraries in light of budget restrictions presents two approaches to this situation: short-term coping strategies, and a change in the role of libraries from repositories of resources to access services. Unanswered questions raised by the second approach are discussed, and reactions by six librarians are…

Discusses results of a survey of state library agencies that was conducted to determine current practices for the provision of consultants and workshops for the improvement of reference services in public libraries. The necessity of continuing education is considered, implications for library schools are examined, and future research is suggested.…

Examines the impact of Hurricane Andrew on the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS). Topics discussed include the community's response to the sudden lack of library services; the use of library branches as emergency relief centers and communications centers; library disaster policies; and visions for MDPLS under a new director. (LRW)

Highlights examples of outreach and lending programs that bring the museum experience into school and public libraries and suggests that the school library media specialist can act as the link between museums and teachers. A list of contacts for the nine programs mentioned is provided. (EAM)

Discussion of Total Quality Management (TQM) highlights its history in business and industry, explains its use in higher education settings, and describes recent quality efforts in library services. Topics addressed include a history of quality; barriers to quality control; examples at Pennsylvania State University; and learning opportunities for…

Provides excerpts from a presentation at a librarians' continuing education workshop on teen sexuality and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), together with participants questions and comments. Goals of an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) education program are presented, and activities for librarians are suggested. (EAM)

Discussion of the use of CD-ROMs in academic library reference departments focuses on types of instruction librarians can offer and their possible impact on other reference services. Classroom instruction versus point-of-use instruction is compared, and implications for librarians and library management are considered. (Contains 23 references.)…

Discussion of customer service and Total Quality Management in academic libraries highlights selected customer-service training programs and popular customer-service videos. Topics discussed include utilizing campus resources; staff attitudes; commitment of administrators; and service training issues for academic library managers. (22 references)…

Presents a conceptual and organizational model for systematic selection of electronic publications that was developed at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library. Described are the concept of information genres, the role of genre specialists, and a selection review board. The model is a method of mainstreaming electronic publications into the…

Discusses school librarians' use of telecommunications to provide access to electronic resources and information databases outside the school library. Examples are given of services provided through the Internet, including electronic mail, file transfer protocol, Gopher, Wide Area Information Server, and World Wide Web. (five references) (LRW)

Describes the design and implementation of the Reference Expert, a database based on INMAGIC software which contains problem reference questions and answers for use by library reference desk staff. Topics discussed include staff response to the database and problems encountered in its development. A sidebar describes the use of WORM…