Traces the development of reference service in American libraries during the second half of the nineteenth century and examines the evolution of reference service in the Providence Public Library. The article focuses on how the distinctive features of reference service were conceived and merged into the current concept of reference service. (43…

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)

Considers a definition of online searching and discusses each of these factors--training, search aids, physical setting, search request form, interview and profile construction, terminal session, search evaluation, document delivery, professional reading, and online user groups. Eighteen sources are cited. (EJS)

Discusses the value of the practicum in learning reference interview techniques. Methods for offering such field experience and programs in several library schools are described, with emphasis on the practicum experience at the University of Alberta. A possible reference practicum program is outlined. (16 references) (Author/MES)

The literature of reference service emphasizes service at the reference desk and overlooks other activities of reference librarians. Self-evaluation studies would enable reference librarians to identify what they do and assign a time and value to each task. Such studies should be the first step in planning and structuring a reference department.…

Considers the five parts in education for reference work: (1) the formal sequence of courses leading to a Master's degree in library science; (2) on-the-job training; (3) continuing education; (4) evaluation; and (5) the acquisition of substantive, multi-disciplinary knowledge. (three references) (MES)

Describes the collections, roles, and services of the Reference Section of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress. Publications available from the series "Reference Circular" and "Reference Bibliography" are described, and it is suggested that they be used by librarians…

Discusses approaches to reference services in academic libraries in light of new technologies and emphasizes the need to maintain the personal element, based on experiences at Northeastern State University (Oklahoma). Topics include roving librarians; desktop video conferencing; Internet media and the World Wide Web; and remote users. (LRW)

Discusses whether librarians should aim to give "answers" (attempt to answer information need) or "clues" (instruct user in use of information sources) when responding to users' questions. Peripheral factors concerning questions (when, how, where, why, what), cost and benefits, and approaches associated with academic library…

Focuses on advantages and disadvantages of centralizing the administration of a bibliographic instruction program in the academic library reference department, noting objectives in administration of such a program; concerns to be addressed prior to deciding who, within organizational structure, administers program; and administration through…

Describes the dual service philosophy at McGoogan Library, University of Nebraska Medical Center, which includes fee-based online search services and free use of online databases for reference purposes. The position of the American Library Association, viewpoints from the field, and record-keeping and accounting procedures are reviewed. Seven…

Discussion of library profession stereotypes focuses on academic male librarians. Topics include the position of the early academic librarians and the environment in which they worked; the beginnings of reference service; women in academic libraries; men in a feminized profession; and current images of male librarians in motion pictures and…

Discusses the role of technology in library reference interactions and suggests the need to focus more on what the users bring to the reference interaction. Topics include how the Internet impacts reference; the role of information literacy; representational and system models; users' mental models; studies in mental models; and reconstructing…

Although the personality traits of archivists make them resistant to adopting marketing strategies, changes in the archival environment and information require that reference archivists understand and use concepts of marketing to advance archival services. Discusses changes in archival service, concepts of marketing: customer-orientation,…