Seventeen idea tactics to aid information specialists in furthering a reference search are defined as parts of total search strategies, and are grouped into idea generation and pattern breaking modes. Problems in testing such tactics are discussed. (FM)

Lists and discusses factors affecting presearch interviews; common elements of the interview; and components of interviews with new or infrequent users, experienced users of search services, and on-site users. Do's and don'ts for library staff members during a search and skills and attributes for effective presearch interviews are also listed.…

Discussion of job satisfaction and the level of job performance focuses on the effect of automation on job satisfaction among reference librarians. The influence of stress is discussed, a job strain model is explained, and examples of how to design a job to reduce the stress caused by automation are given. (12 references) (LRW)

Discusses the impact of CD-ROM services on reference departments and describes the development of a troubleshooting manual for the Library of Science and Medicine at Rutgers University. The seven steps followed in writing the manual are presented, and it is noted that it has proved to be an effective support for reference and CD-ROM services. (21…

Presents American Library Association guidelines for medical, legal, and business responses at general reference desks covering the role of the librarian, including interpretation, advice, confidentiality, and tact; sources, including currency and referrals; telephone or mail reference; and ethics. (MES)

The New York State Library is conducting two regional pilot programs to provide on-line information services to public, academic, and special library patrons. These procedures and guidelines were written for reference librarians in participating libraries who will act as the intermediaries between their patrons and the search analysts at the State…

Advocates systems analysis as a first step for documents librarians considering the use of computer based technology, outlines the necessary steps, and cites publications that provide practical instruction. The areas of bibliographic control, collection development and integration, and documents reference service are discussed. (CLB)

Describes strategies used by reference librarians to provide service to the developmentally disabled, including reference service to volunteer and professional service providers, specialized information networks, information and referral services, and key reference tools. Deinstitutionalization, normalization, the developmental model, and least…

Designed to orient new staff members and also to provide a source of information for library patrons, this manual includes guidelines for the library services offered by the University of Massachusetts Library. Among those included are: desk service; interlibrary loan service; bibliographic services; reference correspondence; documents…