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…

Addresses the two-fold question concerning imposition of instruction on a library user when he/she only wants answer to information need--whether attempted instruction is infringement on the rights of the user, and whether attempted instruction detracts from the librarian's effectiveness in fulfilling information need. Twenty references are…

Argues that reference services will not only survive changes brought about by new technologies, but will be improved and enhanced as a result. Examples given include online public access catalogs, automated record-keeping operations, CD-ROM as an information storage medium, the continuing need for intermediaries in online searching, and copyright…