A lighthearted expose of non-typical patrons and their use and abuse of the reference librarian. (JAB)

Beginning in 1975, reference librarians in the Orlando (Florida) Public Library system volunteered to take part in individual videotaping sessions to see, (1) whether videotape self-evaluation could be done without disruption of service, and (2) whether videotape self-evaluation could improve public service. (Author/PF)

Discusses sources of available data on reference questions asked and answered in public libraries, and analyzes data collected between 1970 and 1985 in nine states. National data from libraries in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain are also presented. (Author/MES)

Categorizes and compares sample of public and academic library reference questions. (KP)

A survey of 34 of the largest public library systems, each serving at least 500,000 people, showed: (1) minority offer online database services; (2) cost is major prohibiting factor; (3) New York Times Information Bank is most popular database; (4) fee structures vary; and (5) business organizations are most frequent users. (JD)

This study explored the relationship between expanded information and referral (I&R) services and traditional reference services in public libraries in North Carolina. Results show librarians feel I&R services should be limited to those closely related to traditional reference services. Other I&R services typically provided by social…

Presents the results of a survey conducted by the ALA Office for Research to determine current practices with respect to the financing of online services in public libraries. Special emphasis is placed upon questions surrounding the imposition of user fees for such services. Seven tables summarize the data. (JL)

Discusses the special collections and archival materials often found in medium-sized public libraries which should be fully used by historical researchers. It is suggested that public libraries need to advertise their collections which are of historical interest and to be more aware of the needs of the historical researcher. (Author/JL)

This study examined differences between public library patrons and librarians in their assessments of the competence of librarians they observed in videotaped reference interviews. Interviews varied in the level of nonverbal warmth shown by the librarian toward the patron and in the level of inclusion exhibited. (6 references) (Author/MES)

This survey of rural and suburban libraries produced over 660 usable responses on special problems of rural libraries. Nearly half of libraries had budgets of under $30,000; about half did not have M.L.S. degree-holding staff members; majority participated in cooperative system; many reported inadequate reference resources; and isolation was major…

Discussion of implications of highly decentralized nature of local government for collection of local documents highlights meaning of access, effect of local government environment on access to local government information, library responses, and tools that can assist libraries in increasing citizen and government access to local government…

Master's students in library science and students in a library technician program were asked to read scripts of reference interviews in which the amount of bibliographic instruction and the "maleness" or "femaleness" of questions were varied. They were then asked to make a judgment about the competence of the reference…

Examines two issues to determine how they affect delivery of consumer health information: (1) Who is responsible for disseminating consumer health information, and what role should public and health science libraries play? (2) Should librarians (public or health science) provide medical reference works for general public? Thirty-five references…

Non-reference guidance is not available at many public libraries. One fifth of the respondents to a questionnaire indicated that they had some type of formal program but several had funding problems. The history of and need for reader advisors is presented. (22 references) (DH)

Summarizes the results of 11 selected studies of the accuracy of reference services and identifies six modes of failure of reference services. Methods of detecting and reducing failure in each of these modes are then discussed. (17 references) (MES)