The growing population of deinstitutionalized persons with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities is described, some of their information needs are examined, methods of providing library services are suggested, and a rationale for community outreach is provided. The state program in Rhode Island is outlined. (22 references) (EAM)

Addresses the need for reference librarians to reassess their service priorities and service delivery methods to operate efficiently and compete effectively with commercial information services. Highlights include inappropriate use of librarians' time; inefficient service delivery methods; cost effectiveness; and a consultation model of service…

Discusses sources of conflict between teaching and nonteaching librarians and identifies theoretical and practical contributions of library instruction to reference service. Arguments against library instruction, library applications of learning theory, improving reference services, conflicts in reference department, and future of library…

Discusses the impact of local online databases on library reference services, including their integration with remote files such as Dialog, Orbit, and the Information Bank. Online catalog databases, multiple local databases (analytics for journal articles, indexes), and batch processing of data are noted. Six references are cited. (EJS)

Provides overview of the materials available for the reference librarian on the topic of online services. General works and introductions, bibliographies, directories, periodicals, articles on specific topics, and online catalogs are covered. Forty-five references are included. (EJS)

Because freely accessible resources allow searching without the constraints of costs for connect times, the Internet resources profiled in this article are intended for browsing. Includes references for some valuable patent information but not for extensive patent searching. (AEF)

Provides an annotated listing of various Internet sites, many that are starting points for exploration of specific health subject areas. Special considerations for locating and selecting health and medicine resources are also provided. (Author)

Presents a selective annotated list of environment-related Web sites for reference use. The term "environment" has been considered both broadly and traditionally in compiling this list of useful content-based and linking sites. (Author)

Technological advancement has changed the way the role of archives, especially electronic records, is viewed by archivists. Based on experiences at the Center for Electronic Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, this article discusses finding aids and reference tools, reference services and electronic records in archives,…

Describes the Term Paper Clinic (TPC), a project in which students in a library reference class at the University of British Columbia offered reference assistance to other students. Appendixes include approaches and sources for the TPC search; instructions for the TPC search; a student library research guide; a report on user evaluations; and the…

Eleven articles introduce expert systems applications in library and information science, and present design and implementation issues of system development for reference services. Topics covered include knowledge based systems, prototype development, the use of artificial intelligence to remedy current system inadequacies, and an expert system to…

Describes the process of question referral in California's second-level reference centers where questions are referred by public librarians, and provides examples of questions and sources typical of humanities research. Topics include the varied clientele and the use of databases, reference files, library collections, organizations, special…

Identifies some of the distinguishing characteristics of business information and examines their impact on reference transactions. Topics include characteristics of business patrons; question negotiation; dealing with patrons' expectations; helping patrons devise a search strategy; understanding search results; requisite skills for business…

Presents an overview of the 1990 census and its many components, including sources of census data, format availability such as CD-ROM and databases, and ways in which census data are used. The effect of new technology, especially CD-ROM, on users and reference librarians is considered. (Author/LRW)

Willingness to return to the same librarian avoids the limitations associated with using accuracy as a primary measure of success. Based on a case study, factors associated with the successful reference interaction are examined. Problems with accuracy as a success measure, staff activity upon approach, interpersonal skills, and ability to…