Intended for school librarians, the guide describes a 9-week course of study in library reference skills for junior high academically talented students. The course description is presented in a thematic day-by-day and week-by-week format designed for one-to-one and small group instruction. Lesson plans include information on time requirements,…

Describes the Tacoma Public Library's experience with "BIP Plus," the CD-ROM version of Books in Print. Memory requirements, search capabilities, automatic ordering, and the library staff's response are discussed. Keyword searching is explained as the system's most used feature, and price the area of most serious concern. (EM)

Discusses issues which will have an impact on database searching for the next five years: (1) quality control; (2) more inhouse databases; (3) changes in database visuals; (4) pricing policies; and (5) market changes. A number of favorable and unfavorable changes unlikely to occur within five years are also noted. (MES)

Evaluates the database program SAVVY PC and describes its use in a public library reference department to index a local newspaper. The basic structure of SAVVY and FORTH, the language it's written in, are explained along with how the database is used. Advantages and disadvantages of the system are discussed. (EM)

Examines the theory and application of zero base budgeting (ZBB) and presents an example of ZBB in an academic library reference department, illustrating the preparation of a budget proposal and demonstrating the different approaches to staffing for reference services and varying funding levels. (FM)

A reference guide for online bibliographic searchers introduces and explains the major computer-searchable fields of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database, presents field access labels or commands of three online ERIC database vendors--BRS, DIALOG, and ORBIT--and lists the codes necessary for searching particular ERIC…

This task force report on current and anticipated needs relating to the use of microcomputers in libraries on the University of California, Berkeley, campus is intended to serve as a fundamental document, the basis for future discussion, planning, and development. The task force divided into two groups to consider the issues of staff use of…

School librarians developed and tested a game which would help familiarize students with reference materials. A clue was provided each day, Monday through Friday, and a competition was held to see who could find the answer earliest in the week. (LS)

This study examined the importance of negative searching, or searching to discover topics not previously explored in writing, and its oversight in the library literature. A survey of university faculty revealed a tendency to view negative searching as necessary to scholarly endeavors, but an online literature search showed little discussion of…

Reports the results of a study which examined costs and search results for 20 searchers conducted on both BRS After Dark and Knowledge Index. Various features of the two retrieval systems are reviewed, and advantages and disadvantages of each system are summarized. Data are presented in one table and several graphs. (24 references) (MES)

The purpose of these guidelines is to assist librarians in providing students and faculty with appropriate information about computerized sources of information, particularly national online and compact disc (CD-ROM) databases. The guidelines offer ideas for brief, medium-length, and long presentations on the use of online searches, including…

The Orientation and Training Task Force of the Temple University Library was charged by the Director of the Central Library System (CLS) in October 1987 to develop plans for a three-level program, including an orientation component for all CLS staff, a second component for staff who regularly work at any public service point, and a third component…

The director of the Buros Institute of Mental Measurements describes the "Mental Measurements Yearbook,""Tests in Print," the institute's online database, its symposium, and symposium books. Suggestions to librarians for increasing effectiveness of service to users of tests are included. (Author/EM)

Discusses whether librarians should aim to give "answers" (attempt to answer information need) or "clues" (instruct user in use of information sources) when responding to users' questions. Peripheral factors concerning questions (when, how, where, why, what), cost and benefits, and approaches associated with academic library…

Focuses on advantages and disadvantages of centralizing the administration of a bibliographic instruction program in the academic library reference department, noting objectives in administration of such a program; concerns to be addressed prior to deciding who, within organizational structure, administers program; and administration through…