A study of S. R. Ranganathan's theory of reference service is undertaken by using an historical methodology. It was evident from the literature review that Ranganathan had established that reference service was the most important work and served as the hub of all library practices. There were six factors that were repeatedly considered by…

Intended for librarians familiar with basic online searching techniques and various vendor protocols, this manual describes and illustrates the policies, record-keeping, and forms used by the online services department of the Woodward Library at Austin Peay State University (APSU). Where specific examples are used, they are given with DIALOG…

Question analysis and search strategy development were broken down into nine steps for answering reference questions. These steps were examined for possible mechanization of the answering process. Such automation was not proved feasible. (LS)

This paper discusses the future effects of information technology on libraries and library services, emphasizing the roles of online retrieval systems and electronic processes involving published literature. The following aspects are examined: line charges and terminal costs, a comprehensive electronic journal system, interlibrary loans,…

A study subsidizing student use of online literature searching services examined how this new technology met student needs. Student search patterns and overall satisfaction with online searches were evaluated. The implications of student use of computer searches for reference services are also discussed. (Author)

Provides suggestions for using on-line database systems (CompuServe, The Source, Dow Jones) in the classroom, presenting examples of the kinds of information and services available from CompuServe. Major CompuServe submenus are provided to illustrate encyclopedia searches, use of reference library, news sources, and accessing clubs and special…

This paper discusses personal resource discovery on the World Wide Web from the point of view of a reference librarian. Two key questions for finding information on the Internet are identified: (1) What are you actually looking for? and (2) Who is likely to have the information? Examples of this approach are provided, and some problems with using…

The Census Access Program at the University of Florida makes available the computerized 1970 U.S. Census of Population and Housing.'' Faculty, students, planning agencies and commercial interests make use of the system. Discussed are personnel and management requirements. (DH)

The results of a questionnaire to determine art scholars' needs isolates areas in art bibliography and art librarianship that seem to be deficient. Specific bibliographic tools and an evaluation of art librarians are discussed. (12 references) (Author/DH)

Explores the effects on relevance concerns in traditional online search strategies caused by ranking retrieved documents. Two extreme examples are presented to illustrate the impact of ranking; advantages and limitations of ranking are discussed. (SW)

Discusses the Center for Electronic Records of the National Archives and Records Administration. Highlights include reference services and access; the Title List database (general access); descriptions and documentation (intermediate access); and copies of electronic records. (AEF)

Compares OCLC's competitively priced online search services--EPIC, designed for librarians and experienced searchers, and FirstSearch, designed for end-users. Discussed are databases offered, ease of searching, holdings information, training needs, and pricing. Appendices of available databases and indexes for each service are included. (four…

The Internet is becoming an increasingly important medium of electronic information dissemination, and thus an increasingly important library reference tool. This study examines the Internet skills of a sample group of 15 public reference librarians in the Adult Services Department at the Cleveland Heights Public Library. The Internet skills that…

A nationwide survey of online searchers at 150 college and university libraries was conducted to explore various characteristics of this group. From a sample of 380 searchers representing 85 libraries, 201 surveys (52.9%) were returned, and 198 responses were usable. Variables examined include online training, searcher experience, professional…

Analyzes the search process, isolating the pertinent elements that make up a search and identifying the many decision points in the process. (Author/PF)