Describes the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) efforts in China, Germany, Canada, Scotland, Jamaica and Brazil. Discusses FirstSearch, an end-user reference service, and WorldCat, a bibliographic database. Highlights international projects developing increased OCLC online availability, database loading software, CD-ROM cataloging,…

Argues that today's technology supplements traditional means of scholarship and communication. Discusses University of Denver's policy of technology implementation, information technology, interdisciplinarity, changing library environment, information usage and control, and costs. Concludes that future libraries will be defined not by technology…

The focus of this collection of papers about library reference service is on the community outside the library, rather than the special populations served within it. "Conflicts in Value Systems" (Allen B. Veaner) is an overview of the major conflict areas facing the library profession today. "Reference Services for Off-Campus…

Documentation supplied in this kit demonstrates how research libraries provide services to visiting scholars as distinguished from other categories of external user. A "visiting scholar" is most often defined as a faculty member affiliated with an institution of higher education but the term may also include independent scholars and persons…

This manual suggests and describes recommended reference services and sources for a small hospital library. Focusing on reference services, the first section includes information on ready-reference services; bibliographic search services, including taking and processing a request for a bibliography, National Library of Medicine literature…

Reports the rationale, design, implementation, and results of an examination of the impact of online subject catalogs on users by comparing their behaviors before and after catalog installation. Evaluation criteria included volume of use, types of searches, use of other catalogs, search time, user satisfaction, and need for assistance. (CLB)

Special supplement to "Library Journal" and "School Library Journal" covers topics of interest to school, public, academic, and special libraries planning for automation: microcomputer use, readings in automation, online searching, databases of microcomputer software, public access to microcomputers, circulation, creating a…

Focuses on role of school library media programs in the fostering of lifelong learning and development of information skills. Highlights include information use and users, access, instruction, consulting, attitude problems, personnel and economic issues, planning and evaluating programs, education of library media specialists, and information…

This book analyzes the needs and interests of today's 12- to 18-year-olds and shows librarians how to plan a wide range of successful services to meet these needs. The book looks at basic issues involved in serving young adults (YAs). Part I begins with considering "Where YA?" services are today and where they are headed. Part II,…

This document provides an overview of the concepts and processes behind reference services and the most important sources consulted in answering common reference questions. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 deals with concepts and theory. It covers ethical aspects of reference service, the reference interview, the principles and goals of…

Librarians need to be aware of the technologies involved with change and the ways in which technologies will impact the total organization and its provision of services. The library school curriculum must be restructured in order to prepare future librarians for the reality of technological change and help them become able to manage information in…

For this kit, 106 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries were surveyed concerning: (1) current administration/organization; (2) evaluation; (3) patron relations; (4) services; and (5) the impact of online searching on collections. Responses were received from 83 libraries, many of which contributed sample materials. Analyses of…

This 5-year strategic plan for the Minot State University's Memorial Library includes: (1) a chart showing the organization of the Minot State University Institutional Planning and Leadership Organization and committee members; (2) a profile of the community served by the library; (3) an assessment of the library's current performance from the…

Discussion of the changing role of the school library/media specialists argues that skill requirements for this group should be redefined to include competency in online information retrieval techniques. Appropriate online databases available on CD-ROM and sources for training are described, and a role for academic librarians in providing training…

Describes the methodology and findings of a study that examined the reasons that people use academic libraries and the relationship between library use, library instruction, and user success. The conclusions identify library services and physical facilities that may increase user satisfaction. (Author/CLB)