Four public libraries participated in a two-year investigation of the provision of on line reference services in a public library setting. To evaluate the utility and cost of the service, data were collected about search statistics, usage patterns, costs, and impact on the library. This volume of the report contains the evaluation methodology,…

Describes in detail the Library and Research Consultations (LaRC) program for graduate students offered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Copies of the program's brochure and questionnaire are provided, and preliminary evaluative data are tabulated. (JD)

Presented is an analysis of the major problems related to the use of the library in the process of teaching and learning and some suggestions that could stimulate individual colleges in their planning for better usage of the library, including a new role for librarians and teachers, and student projects. (JMD)

Affirms that, within the framework of traditional library services, librarians can play an important role in educating young adults about sexuality by incorporating a strong commitment to effective sex education into book selection, collection development, reader's advisory, referral services, library programing, and staff development. An…

Reference service can be defined as the interpersonal communication process which is designed to provide information to a person who needs it, either directly from an appropriate source, or indirectly by providing the person with the source or teaching him how to find the needed information in the sources. (Author/JAB)

Comments on a study of major significance entitled "Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Federal Funding of PUblic Libraries," which was prepared for NCLIS by Government Studies and Systems Inc. in 1976. This report serves as an effective background document for discussion of issues and policies. (JPF)

The general public and decision makers, as well as users, must be aware of programs designed to meet clearly defined user needs if library media centers are to develop and gain continued support in the face of spiraling inflation and public reaction to increased taxes. (VT)

Regardless of the inadequacies of the new information retrieval systems, and despite the serious social inequalities which will result from charging fees for information, most libraries are incorporating the computer-assisted bibliographic searching devices into their reference operations, and passing the costs on to the users. (Author)

Potential community services are described in the areas of adult literacy programs, promotion of the arts, and use of library archives to investigate local history. The importance of the librarian's community involvement is stressed. (MBR)

A general overview is presented of this issue focusing on institution libraries. Articles are concerned with users of libraries, institutional environments, historical changes, the varying needs of adults and children, library materials, public library cooperation, and education programs for institution librarians. Correctional facilities are…

This paper discusses conceptual frameworks for the understanding of the institutionalized child's psychological needs; effects that illness and institutionalization have on the psychological development of children; and ways that knowledge in these areas can help the librarian design a perceptive and flexible library program to meet their…

Business Administration-Economics Library staff at the University of Texas at Austin evaluated 18,738 reference questions gathered over a three-year period. Steps were taken to reduce the directional and informational questions with the expectation of increasing the number of general reference questions. (Author)

Whatever it is that's puzzling you, the chances are that the people at your public library either have the answer or can speedily locate the information to set you straight. (Editor)

This paper is concerned with the present system of providing information about public services. It discusses desirable features in a delivery system for administrative publicity, establishing a directory of public services, and related indexing. (KP)

Discusses the advantages of parallel processor computers in terms of expandibility, cost, performance and reliability, and suggests that such computers be used in library automation systems as a cost effective approach to planning for the growth of information services and computer applications. (CLB)