Advocates reexamining reference services and outreach programs, and relating them more closely. Argues that archival records are underutilized and that archivists should proactively reach out to researchers and encourage research use. Discusses researcher services; measuring and reporting on researcher use; electronic records; and creating…

Discussion of digital reference services and the use of real-time versus asynchronous services such as email focuses on data from the AskERIC digital reference service to demonstrate that asynchronous services are not only useful but may have greater utility than real-time systems. (Author/LRW)

Describes an international forum that was designed to affirm the knowledge and values of indigenous peoples in the information age, including Maoris from New Zealand and members of the American Indian Library Association. Discusses how efforts in New Zealand are models for how to advance library services to indigenous populations. (Author/LRW)

Summarizes universe data on public libraries. Includes information about public libraries' administrative structure and legal basis, operating income and expenditures, staff, collections, and services. Data are from the National Education Statistics Center Public Libraries Survey. (SLD)

Describes a study that investigated the level of Internet training currently being offered to the elderly at public libraries and to reveal the specific barriers which prevent or hinder the existence of training programs. Reports results of a questionnaire sent to public libraries in New York State. (LRW)

Respondents to a survey of prison librarians (n=35) regarding how they cope with demands for materials and services related to diversity issues felt that adherence to Library Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions was often impeded by security concerns. Racial differences between library providers and prisoners was not considered relevant.…

Programs examples and discusses the profitability of entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial operations that charge fees for information services and products. Various types of fees and charging mechanisms are described. A list of professional associations, publications, workshops, and selected readings is provided. (CLB)

Presents 39 guidelines in the form of questions and answers to assist librarians in developing young adult programs. Topics covered include types of programs, ways to get adolescents involved, practical considerations, promotional activities, and the evaluation of the success of a program. (seven references) (CLB)

Provides background information on the American Genealogical Lending Library, and describes the library's microfilming and lending policies. (MES)

Discusses the concept of a paperless society and the current situation in library automation. Various applications of automation and telecommunications are addressed, and future library automation is considered. Automation at the Monroe County Public Library in Bloomington, Indiana, is described as an example. (MES)

Reviews the use and validity of numerical measures of library service (index numbers) and describes a study of public library systems from 1970-80 in Wisconsin. This study used an index number based on circulation per capita, expenditures per capita, turnover rate, full-time employee rate, and population, and tested this measure against various…

Discusses the goals, attitudes, and methods of reference teaching, focusing on some of the difficulties for the reference instructor. Teaching of the reference method, rather than facts, and a liberal concept of reference work are encouraged. (three references) (MES)

Discusses the historical foundations of memory and knowledge systems in sixteenth-century Europe and offers insights into the current situation and where our knowledge systems are bound. The development of hypersystems and a new approach to research librarianship are considered. (13 references) (MES)

Discussion of the concept of service and its significance for library reference work focuses on attitudes and qualities important to good service. The changing nature of reference resulting from technological developments and the appropriateness of these values for modern day reference work are then addressed. (13 references) (MES)

Describes reference materials that may be useful in finding legal cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Case citations and case names are explained, finding a case on a particular topic is addressed, and sources for finding a major Surpeme Court case by case name or topic are given. (LRW)