Discussion of reference question negotiation by librarians focuses on a study at the Orem (Utah) Public Library that was conducted to determine how frequently the reference staff negotiated questions, how frequently negotiated questions received correct answers, and what verbal and nonverbal communication skills led to correct answers. (five…

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…

Examines the following elements of scaffolding, providing insight into the librarian's role as educator: attention, ownership, collaboration, appropriateness, modeling, support, adjustment, and internationalization. A sidebar lists 10 ways to recognize a constructivist children's reference librarian. (AEF)

Examines whether library reference staff are cognizant of newspapers as a potential source of reference information, and explores what happens when library staff members make referrals--often a sign that they do not know the answer to the question themselves. Discusses results of a recent study of public libraries in Canada which revealed that…

Explores the legal ramifications of malpractice among librarians and the possible impact on services due to fear of being sued. Topics include identification of potential malpractice areas; cooperative electronic reference services; use of reference standards; insurance; contract; disclaimer; updating library collections; using Internet resources;…

Examines the effect of information technology on library school curriculum, the role of reference librarians in public libraries, reference services, and user access to information. Identifies four limitations that may affect the service given by reference librarians: subject knowledge, language, cultural literacy, and logical inference…