Many Web sites are useful in helping answer reference questions in geography and international studies. This paper describes Web sites which provide maps, gazetteers, and country information. Also included are Web guides which collect and organize numerous links to geographical and international sites. (Author)

Twenty-three posters address topics including access to information; metadata; personal information management; scholarly information communication; online resources; content analysis; interfaces; Web queries; information evaluation; informatics; information needs; search effectiveness; digital libraries; diversity; automated indexing; e-commerce;…

Presents an evaluation of reference services and government document use at East Carolina University (North Carolina) library. Factors that most affect retrieval success include cataloging and technical problems, the amount of time spent in searching, and staff knowledge. (Author/AEF)

Discusses implications for restructuring library reference services suggested by information needs and information-seeking behavior of scientists. Highlights include scientific and informal communication, accessibility and creativity, and a holistic approach to user-centered services. (AEF)

Outlines considerations in the design of a Competitive Intelligence Information Resource Center (CIIRC), which is needed by business organizations for effective strategic decision making. Discussed are user needs, user participation, information sources, technology and interface design, operational characteristics, and planning for implementation.…

Discusses "Night Owl," a Maryland public library's after hours telephone reference service. Issues include project start-up, user profiles, types of questions, volume, after hours reference accessibility, security, costs, service limits, publicity, staffing, and employee turnover. Similar services in other states are cited. (Contains six…

The Native American Authors Internet Library, hosted by the Internet Public Library (an award-winning site maintained by the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor), presents five administrative and reference sections with numerous links, and three browsers covering 400 authors, 700 titles, and 200 tribes. Authenticity, accountability, credibility,…

Characterizes the questioning behavior in reference interviews preceding delegated online searches of bibliographic databases and relates it to questioning behavior in other types of interviews/settings. Compares questions asked by the information specialist and those asked by the client; findings show the information specialist dominates the…

Discusses the use of the Internet for ready reference and considers limitations, reference policy, and cost issues. Highlights include general reference sources; database searching on the Internet; Gopher; bibliographic control and access to Internet resources; personnel issues; and levels of service. (Contains 30 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the cost of access to research information and suggests that lower staff costs in a digital library setting are a key to providing more affordable access. Topics include equivalent library services; quality of service; differences between disciplines; archiving and preservation; citations, hyperlinks, and reference linking; metadata;…

The guide provides a quick reference to the database, services, and additional resources of the ERIC System that may be of use in adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) literacy work. It first explains the role of the National Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education, then describes the ERIC database and the kinds of adult ESL literacy materials…

In order to identify the information needs of individual residents of the six New England states, telephone interviews were conducted to generate baseline data relating to information providers (e.g., availability, linkage between sources, and institutional barriers to information provision) and information seekers (e.g., problem awareness and…

This paper discusses reference services in the digital library. The introduction provides definitions of a digital library, and the first section summarizes the purposes of a digital library system, as well as key roles for information professionals. The second section provides examples of mediated and unmediated digital reference. The third…

This digest discusses the development of World Wide Web-based services for libraries and provides examples from the Cleveland Public Library (CPL). The first section highlights the importance of developing such services, steps to be followed for a successful project, and the importance of having the goal of replicating and enhancing traditional…

Summarizes the effects OhioLINK, a networked patron self-initiated interlibrary borrowing system, has had on the traditional interlibrary loan (ILL) department at Miami University (OH). Finds Miami's lending to 11 other schools decreased 13% and filled photocopy requests increased 17% while Miami's borrowing increased less than 2%, filled loan…