Compares a digital reference service that uses instant messaging with traditional, face-to-face reference based on experiences at the Southern Illinois University library. Addresses differences in reference questions asked, changes in the reference transaction, student expectations, bibliographic instruction, and librarian attitudes and procedures…

Discusses results of a study that produced a preliminary sense of reference librarians' experiences in adapting reference practice to the digital environment, and described their own views about digital reference. Considers reference interviews, digital reference service quality and standards, and types of questions best suited to digital…

Reports on a study of 101 Canadian librarians that tested individual differences important to enhanced use of the Internet. Analysis of covariance, hierarchical regression, and structural equation modeling provided evidence that technical and procedural knowledge had a significant influence on attitudes toward the Internet and the frequency of…

Reports the results of a survey of librarians in Western Australia that examined whether librarians feel it is important to keep up with new developments in technology, the means used by librarians to find out about new developments, and the effectiveness of those means. The questionnaire used is appended. (Nine references) (CLB)

Identifies Newbery books most frequently chosen as favorites by 2,211 sixth-grade students, sixth-grade teachers, and school library media specialists. FInds that boys chose "Maniac Magee" (Jerry Spinelli), girls chose "Number the Stars" (Lois Lowry), and adults chose "The Giver" (Lois Lowry). (RS)

Discussion of the participation of technical services librarians in academic bibliographic instruction focuses on the results of a survey of 124 cataloging librarians in State University of New York libraries that investigated the extent of their participation in bibliographic instruction activities. A copy of the survey is appended. (LRW)

Discussion of the role of cataloging education within the library profession focuses on results of a survey of members of the Association of Research Libraries that investigated the importance of cataloging competencies for all entry-level academic librarians. Discusses implications for library education for academic librarians and for the…

Describes an exploratory research project that examined how novice college students and Web-savvy librarians initially envisioned the Internet and how these representations changed over time and with experience. (AEF)

Arguing that games which simulate real-world situations and events have proven to be effective educational tools, this paper suggests that they may also offer an added educational dimension to academic library collections. Twenty-five academic libraries were surveyed to determine librarians' perceptions of the academic value of games and…

A study was conducted which surveyed Reading Renaissance Model (RR) certified librarians (of 112 surveys sent, 49 responded). The survey requested demographic information and asked attitudinal questions about how RR has affected students' reading habits and librarian job satisfaction. Also solicited was circulation and funding information for the…

Presents a study on Illinois library directors' knowledge of the American Library Association's (ALA) Code of Ethics; 180 questionnaires (out of 252) were returned. Results suggest that a segment of the library profession is aware of the ALA Code of Ethics and is strongly supportive of the statements therein. (Author/AEF)

This 1991 poll by the University of Illinois' Library Research Center consisted of a telephone survey of a representative national sample of 1,181 people and a mail survey of a random sample of 541 Public Library Association members. Data were gathered on public and professional opinions about public library services, collections, censorship,…

This survey of 84 librarians from 42 ARL (Association of Research Libraries) libraries that confer faculty status examined whether library faculty are given release time to engage in research, whether libraries have written policies regarding research time, and whether there are differences in working conditions between technical and public…

Describes a plan developed by the Phoenix Public Library that involved all librarians working in branches in defining what constitutes excellence in professional performance in the areas of collection development, reference and reader's advisory services, and community interaction. Characteristics related to excellence are identified, and…

Describes an unobtrusive study of the ability of professional librarians to deal with factual questions that was conducted at Illinois State University. Evaluation of the accuracy of responses is discussed, the responsiveness and helpfulness of librarians is examined, attitude scores are described, and implications for improving reference service…