Describes the results of surveys that examined how academic libraries are employing authority control, the impact of AACR2 and online catalogs on the need for authority control, and the effect of OCLC cataloging on a university library catalog established without authority control for corporate or personal names. (62 references) (Author/CLB)

A survey of 113 Texas libraries examined characteristics of reference positions to determine whether there were important similarities and differences between public and academic libraries in the areas of professional qualifications for employment; job skills and responsibilities; work scheduling; benefits; and departmental characteristics. The…

Defines collection development and discusses several issues related to this function in the academic library: (1) the importance of a collection development policy; (2) material selection; (3) faculty-library cooperation; (4) cooperation with other library departments; (5) weeding; and (6) effects of automation. Nine references are listed. (MES)

Reports on a study of the information-seeking behavior of users of Infotrac, OCLC, Newsbank Electronic Index, and LS/2 at the Bowling Green State University Libraries. Data gathered via interviews are discussed as they pertain to the user's profile; understanding of systems functions; effects on information-seeking behavior; and appropriateness of…

Describes the experiences of the University of Southern California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Biomedical Library in testing MEDLINE on CD-ROM. Preparations for testing are discussed, as well as patron response to the system, measured by evaluation forms, and implications for libraries providing new technological tools for patrons. (MES)

Discussion of consequences of library automation argues that technology should be used to augment access to information. Online public access catalogs are considered in this context, along with several related issues such as system incompatibility, invasion of privacy, barriers to database access and manipulation, and user fees, which contribute…

Discusses broad trends in planning academic library buildings: (1) greater differentiation between storage and user space; (2) retention of existing facilities; (3) incremental growth; (4) tighter programming; (5) increased protection of life and property; (6) dispersal of formats and equipment; and (7) accommodation of nonlibrary functions. (20…

Identifies factors which may account for user dissatisfaction with online public access catalogs (OPACs) and discusses some advantages of OPACs over card catalogs: (1) design for subject searching; (2) flexibility; (3) browsing capability; (4) precision; (5) availability of status information; and (6) development of microcomputer software to…

Describes the following aspects of an information session held by the reference staff at Northwestern University to explain the nature of their work to their technical services counterparts: (1) motivation for the session; (2) goals; (3) format; (4) reference service issues; (5) reaction; (6) elements of success of the session; and (7) future…

This description of Info Trac, a laser disc periodical reference system, reviews professional reactions to the system and several user studies. Criticisms are discussed to define the role of such systems in research libraries, and data are presented in five tables. (17 references) (MES)

Argues that problems of managing coexistence of collegial and hierarchical governance structures in university libraries may include accountability, lack of organizational flexibility, time requirements, communication between structures, lessening of librarian's interest in function of line management, potential for goal conflict, and lack of…

This study examines data reflecting the actual impact during the first 3 years of use of the second edition of the Anglo American Cataloging Rules (AACR2) in one library, and compares them with a 5-year projection done in 1980. Findings showed the impact was close to the projection. (Author/EM)

Introductory biology students at a major university completed a field project which taught them investigative skills in scientific research, including the scientific method and substantiation of their results through use of periodical literature. Librarians became actively involved by providing library instruction as part of the project. Sample…

Describes steps taken by the Weldon Law Library at Dalhousie University in salvaging books damaged in a major fire, including procedures and processes used in packing, sorting, drying, and cleaning the books. The need for a disaster plan for specific libraries is emphasized, and some suggestions are made. (CDD)

Describes the benefits to researchers of the microfiche publication of the "National Inventory of Documentary Sources in the United States," which consists of finding aids for U.S. manuscript and archival collections. Arranged in four parts based on origin, each is described in detail as to scope and arrangement. (EM)