Discusses several topics related to teaching reference work: (1) a basis for teaching reference; (2) teaching theory; (3) practicing skills; (4) preparing students for the employment marketplace; (5) developing interpersonal skills; (6) bibliographic instruction; and (7) the library environment. (five references) (MES)

The first part of this article reviews developments in Canadian legislative libraries since the 1960s, with emphasis on reference and research services. The second part is an annotated bibliography of looseleaf and newsletter services available from legislation, regulations, and legislative activities. (12 references) (MES)

Examines the issue of evaluation of information by librarians in reference services, comparing this aspect of reference with the evaluative decisions made in the selection process. It is argued that libraries should assume an evaluative role in order to help users sort through information and make wise decisions about what they need. (two…

Describes the facilities, collections, and services of the following special libraries in New York City: Shea and Gould Library; American Foundation for the Blind; Brooklyn Museum; Merrill Lynch Capital Markets Library; Public Relations of American Information Center; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and Brooklyn Public Library Business…

Discusses ethical issues that self-employed librarians must consider. Highlights include the lack of institutional support; the perceived value of the service; meeting client expectations and client dissatisfaction ethically; money and ethics, including how to charge for prior knowledge and experience; and client relationships, including working…

This article identifies competing schools of thought about the teaching of reference work by examining the relationship among nine reference textbook authors and by exploring the educational influences of five pioneers in the field of library science. The use of textbooks to examine the understanding of a field is discussed. (93 references) (LRW)

Compares three Web-based online reference services that are described as a cross between a traditional database service and a Web search engine: Ask Jeeves (http://www.ask.com), The Electric Library (http://www.elibrary.com), and Information Please (http://www.infoplease.com). Concludes that each has strengths and weaknesses and aren't directly…

Examines issues of knowledge management within academic libraries and how reference librarians can become more effective as information intermediaries. Describes the common knowledge database (CKDB) developed at Rutgers University's New Brunswick campus to more fully integrate libraries on campus and to facilitate the use and management of…

Presents a framework for analyzing and evaluating digital reference services based on systems analysis. Focuses on existence of a public archive, content, selectivity, safeguards for privacy, access, browsability and searchability, and relationship to frequently asked questions and other site content. (Author/LRW)

Explores the role of the librarian and of the service perspective in the digital library environment. The focus of the article is limited to the topic of librarian/user collaboration when the user is in a remote location, including video-based reference services and the use of electronic mail. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the use that homeschoolers make of public libraries and offers suggestion for library services that target homeschoolers. Highlights include having a staff contact person; a homeschooling notebook for the reference desk; pamphlet files for homeschooling curriculum catalogs; a brochure of library services; and orientation programs. (LRW)

Discusses the portions of the World Wide Web that cannot be accessed via directories or search engines, explains why they can't be accessed, and offers suggestions for reference librarians to find these sites. Lists helpful resources and gives examples of invisible Web sites which are often databases. (LRW)

Virtual reference services seem a natural extension of libraries digital collections and the emphasis on access to the library anytime, anywhere. If patrons use the library from home, it makes sense to provide them with person-to-person online reference. The Library of Congress (LC), OCLC, and several large library systems have developed and…

Like many young people, Aaron Schmidt loves electronic gadgets. But not for their own sake. He believes the future of libraries depends on how well we meet the needs of today's young adults, who are far more tech-fluent than most librarians. As reference librarian and all-around technology guru at Thomas Ford Memorial Library, Schmidt created the…

When a dynamic librarian like Sara Weissman, who launched one of the nation's first electronic reference services in Morris County, NJ, wonders what she's been doing with her time, you know you're in pretty heady company. Weissman was one of the 27 winners of the 2003 New York Times Librarian Awards. Expanded nationally this year from their…