Student workers are a well-established component of academic library operations. Recently, their traditional role has expanded to include responsibilities that were previously assigned to librarians, including in-person and virtual reference support. This trend has raised concerns about service quality and highlighted the importance of adequate…

The reference collection traditionally rewards serendipity by presenting key resources in a compact group. At the University of Manitoba Libraries, reference collection space is at a premium and, increasingly, electronic versions of reference materials are selected for purchase. However, our space saving comes at a cost: Our patrons can't browse…

Discusses the results of a 1979 survey of Canadian libraries in postsecondary education to determine the extent to which library automation is being used. (CHC)

Discussion of library reference work that may be suitable for use of expert systems focuses on (1) information and literature searches, and (2) requests to interpret bibliographic references and locate items listed. Systems and computer-assisted instruction modules designed for information retrieval at the University of Waterloo Library are…

Reports the results of a survey that examined the role of small university libraries in Canadian communities. The discussion covers services currently available to communities, areas in which services could be improved or extended, and the benefits to be gained by both the library and the community. (19 references) (Author/CLB)

Describes a prototype expert system that can be used in consultation mode to assist users in their searches, or in simulation coach or Socratic tutor modes to instruct professionals in the reference process. Examples of transactions in each mode are given, and a glossary is provided. (19 notes with references) (CLB)

The guide identifies over 50 source materials relevant to the study of Canadian politics and government available in the reference department of McLennan Library at McGill University. Sections I and II list almanacs and current biographical sources. These include a directory of federal and provincial government, biographical sketches of prominent…

This guide cites over 50 reference resources dealing with Canadian economics which are in the McLennan Library at McGill University. The introduction identifies some important sources of information on economics which are not included in this guide. Among these are government publications (only a few specialized government documents are cited in…

Describes the goals, planning, implementation, and assessment of a term paper clinic for undergraduates conducted by Master of Library Science students and provides recommendations for similar undertakings. The results of a participant survey, including how students heard of the course and their impressions of it, are presented. A copy of the…

The guide contains over 250 source materials about Canada in the reference department of McLennan Library at McGill University. Many of the sources mentioned are basic to all Canadian studies; therefore, the guide replaces an earlier one (ED 130 965) on "Canadiana" published by McLennan Library in 1974. The first six sections list…