Describes reference materials that may be useful in finding legal cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Case citations and case names are explained, finding a case on a particular topic is addressed, and sources for finding a major Surpeme Court case by case name or topic are given. (LRW)

Argues that valid evaluation of reference services should involve triangulation, that is, the systematic use of a variety of carefully chosen research methods. The use of triangulation in conjunction with several qualitative research methods is described and guidelines to the implementation of a qualitative research project are provided. (27…

This annotated bibliography recommends 58 readings in 9 categories from the training literature for reference librarians: (1) overviews; (2) establishing an atmosphere to facilitate learning; (3) assessing needs; (4) defining competent performance; (5) writing training objectives; (6) selecting training methodologies; (7) maintaining skill levels;…

Discusses the need for reference desk orientation for newly hired or reassigned librarians and presents an outline of a suggested orientation program. Orientation conducted by a supervisor is discussed, practical and philosophical aspects of reference service are addressed, and written materials that support the training are recommended. (nine…

Describes the use of the Virtual Reference Desk by the Department of Energy library to provide live reference services via the Internet. Discusses the shift in users from Department of Energy employees only to including the general public, and the resulting need for reference librarians to increase the diversity of their skills. (LRW)

Describes a study at California State University at Chico that analyzed the types of reference questions received by their digital reference service over a two-year period. Suggests a strategy for improving the process of answering broad or complex questions remotely. (Author/LRW)

Based on the experiences of the staff at the Penn State University Libraries, this article focuses on two issues involved in public use of CD-ROM products in an academic library setting: placement of CD-ROM systems in the reference area; and staffing and responsibility for equipment and software. (MES)

Reviews the development of codes of ethics for library reference service and the deficiencies of the code approach; surveys published case studies and hypothetical situations on the issue of unbiased service; and proposes a value-based approach that clarifies the real conflicts and leads to personal decision-making. (34 references) (LRW)

Analyzes survey results of university students who used the instant messaging (IM) reference service at Southern Illinois University Carbondale's library. Focuses on the results of two surveys, including a comparison of IM reference and traditional reference desk experiences; provides an overview of the IM reference system and usage data; and…

Suggests several ways that reference librarians can improve their skills beyond library school training. Reference interviews are discussed; effective methods of browsing the reference collection are described; opportunities for learning at the reference desk are suggested; and professional reading and study is discussed, including professional…

Discusses the application of win-win mindsets and strategy in the employment of LIS (library and information science) graduate assistants in academic library reference services. Considers recruitment, training and support, transition, treating graduate assistants as colleagues, differences from graduate assistants who are not LIS students, and…

Virginia Commonwealth University reduced its ready reference collection by integrating the majority into the general reference collection. The project was a success and advantages for staff included more time and focus on users; expanded knowledge of collection; and reduced stress. (JMV)

Presents an organizational model for providing digital reference services to all users who access the library remotely that was developed for distance learners at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities library. Describes the planning and implementation process, and discusses organizational change issues and the value of digital reference services…

Describes a method of library staff training based on chat transcript analysis in which graduate student workers at a university reference desk examined transcripts of actual virtual reference desk transactions to analyze reference interviews. Discusses reference interview standards, reference desk behavior, and reference interview skills in…

Discusses types of peer training and describes the development of peer training instruction for reference/instruction librarians at DePaul University (Illinois) to keep communication open among staff members, share subject expertise, sharpen skills needed in group and one-on-one instruction, train new librarians, and provide ongoing professional…