Examines whether library reference staff are cognizant of newspapers as a potential source of reference information, and explores what happens when library staff members make referrals--often a sign that they do not know the answer to the question themselves. Discusses results of a recent study of public libraries in Canada which revealed that…

The Perseus Digital Library (PDL), under continuous development since 1987, is one of the primary digital resources for the humanities. A summary of the PDL genesis and current status is given and the multifaceted and longitudinal evaluation effort is described. A brief synthesis of results is provided and reflections on the evaluation along with…

Examines the usefulness of the Eisenberg-Berkowitz Information Problem-Solving model as a categorization for academic reference encounters. Major trends in the data include a high proportion of questions about location and access of sources, lack of synthesis or production activities, and consistent presence of system problems that impede the…

Outlines a study to develop methods to assess the quality of digital reference services, test and refine measures and quality standards to describe digital reference services, and to produce a guidebook that describes how to collect and report data for these measures and standards. (Author/AEF)

The Inglewood, California, public library provides a manual on reference service. The theory, purpose, and objectives of reference are noted, and goals and activities are described in terms of budget, personnel, resources, and services. A chapter on organization covers service structure, information services, relationships with other library…

Described are the aims, goals, and methods of literature search of the Mechanized Library Information System serving West Coast locations of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Brief reports on two pilot programs, one on information awareness, and the other on a capability profile system for locating key personnel, are included. The first program…

Chronicles the development of the legislative reference services of the Library of Congress and briefly describes the current Congressional Research Service, which resulted from legislative acts passed in 1946 and 1970. (CLB)

Discussion of extent of information malpractice highlights role of information broker, copyrights and fees, special library problems, protection against malpractice, contracts, ready reference risks, education against malpractice, continuing education, personal values, malpractice insurance, information producers, Dun and Bradstreet versus…

Argues that in an age of information overload, the public library role is to promote books and reading and warns that public libraries that focus on technologies and information services will become cogs in the engine of material progress rather than fulfilling their role as sources of knowledge. (19 references) (EJS)

The objectives of the Alabama Public Library Service are to: provide library services to the citizens directly or through local libraries; provide library services for those with special needs through the Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; provide library services to employees of the State of Alabama to meet their…

This document presents the proceedings of a Regional Academic Library Symposium, "Brick and Click Libraries." Contributors are professionals from colleges and universities in the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Papers include: "Library Web Site Redesign and Usability Testing" (Michelle Beattie and Susan Sykes Berry); "The…

This publication features work presented at the Second Annual Virtual Reference Desk Digital Reference Conference (October 6-17, 2000, Seattle, Washington). These proceedings include papers and presentations by conference presenters representing public, academic, and government libraries, as well as subject-specific AskA services, from the United…

Like the first two editions, this third edition is designed primarily to provide the beginning student of library and information science with an overview both of the concepts and processes behind today's reference services and of the most important sources consulted in answering common types of reference questions. The first 12 chapters deal with…

Outlines behavioral attributes identified by the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association that can be correlated with positive patron perceptions of reference librarian performance: approachability, interest, listening/inquiring, searching, and follow-up. This will assist in the training, development, and/or…

Examines patterns of uncertainty, complexity, and process in the perceptions of information users from different work environments. Zone intervention based on Vygotsky's concept of the zone of proximal development is presented. A study with two early career professionals showed need for a more interactive, collaborative role for the library…