In 1971 the Board of the Midwestern Regional Library System authorized a study of the periodical collections of the major public libraries, the three universities, and one community college within the Region. It was felt that the study would have immediate implications for the Regional library's developing "Information Services Program,"…

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)

Describes a computerized reference and bibliographic instruction system currently under development at the University of Waterloo Library. The functions of the system, which will include query negotiation, suggestions for research strategies, referral to appropriate reference materials, information on library services and locations, and library…

The needs of the user of theater arts resources are examined in three articles describing the types of services and materials required by amateur theater groups, television researchers, and secondary schools. Ways in which libraries, archives, and museums can meet these requirements are suggested. (CLB)

Describes the organizational structure of the research unit of the Parliamentary Library of Canada and lists a variety of services offered to Parliamentary members, committees, associations, and delegations. (CLB)

Two questionnaires sent to medical librarians and users of the Core Medline/Ebsco CD-ROM disc in the Netherlands gathered data on librarians' attitudes toward the various forms in which Medline is offered--i.e., printed, online, and CD-ROM. Tables and graphs present data on product attributes, availability, use, relevance, subjects searched,…

Discusses information agencies and issues that affect the dissemination and accessibility of Canadian government information, including the Canada Communication Group, depository libraries, the National Library, bibliographic control of government information, the Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information, Statistics Canada,…

This survey of 288 academic, public, and special librarians in Canada examined attitudes toward the role of bibliographic instruction in reference service. Results indicated that academic librarians stress instruction, special librarians stress information delivery, and public librarians fall between the two positions. It was found that…

Systematically examines the provision of health information in Ontario's larger public libraries. The survey, which elicited a 90 percent response rate, showed that health requests accounted for about 8 percent of all reference questions. The major problems faced by public librarians in providing health information were incomplete or unclear…

This document reports the result of a study carried out to evaluate the installation and use of the UNESCO CD-ROM prototype. A questionnaire in English and French was sent to about 267 institutions around the world. Replies were received from 97 bodies, giving a response rate of about 36%. Almost all respondents were information professionals in…

Reports results of user survey complemented by personal discussions organized to ascertain users' satisfaction with and impact of On-line Information Service (OLIS) introduced by University of Hong Kong Libraries in January 1980. Subject searches, relevance of citations, and costs are discussed. The questionnaire and OLIS requests form are…

Long a controversial topic in the specialized world of reference librarianship, unobtrusive evaluation is a useful tool in gauging the degree to which reference librarians are effectively performing their jobs. Based on a nationwide survey of government documents reference service in Canada, This book examines the broad philosophical implications…

Eleven articles discuss the response of library users and personnel to automation. Topics covered include computerized reference services, online public access catalogs, paraprofessional staff perceptions of technology, organizational and managerial impacts of automation, workshops on new technology, gender differences in motivation to manage and…

Describes ways in which people use local collections, increased interest in local history in Great Britain, and sources of local history. The discussion includes the implications for training librarians, and the need to offer training to all librarians, not just those who specialize in local studies work. (31 references) (CLB)

The feasibility of using the verbal protocol method as a means of conducting field research on the online catalog is examined. As 10 undergraduate students conducted research they talked aloud about what was happening. Potential usefulness of the method in online catalog research is assessed, as a development tool and as a tool to assist reference…