The conference was held by the North Country Reference and Research Resources Council as a means of communicating and cooperating with Canadian libraries situated in close proximity to the Northern New York State libraries composing the Council. Topics covered by invited speakers and round table discussions included: (1) cooperative library…

Reports the results of a survey of a free university-run electronic bulletin board. Provides data on gender, age, computer experience, frequency of use, reasons for use, and type of use for 122 users who responded to either an online or mailed survey. (JDH)

The progress, potential, and problems of a fee-based, custom designed library research service for business and industry called INFORM are discussed. (JB)

A draft report, designed to provide direction for reference service, prepared by the Standards Committee, American Library Association. (PF)

Despite the frequency with which library reference services are evaluated, there is a dearth of guidelines for the operation and evaluation of reference services. An American Library Association committee investigated the issue and made recommendations for improved reference operations, but the nature of information retrieval is rapidly changing,…

Contains the text of the American Library Association Reference and Adult Services Division's guidelines entitled "A Commitment to Information Services." (PF)

A consolidation of the Directory of ERIC Microfiche Collections and the Directory of ERIC Search Services, this directory lists organizations that provide their users and clientele with significant access to the ERIC database and its related resources. Included are organizations that provide computerized searches of the ERIC database, have…

In response to a directive to the Director of Libraries, State University of New York at Buffalo, to investigate the possibility of establishing a resource/research office to handle the specialized reference needs of university administrators, this document outlines a proposed Office of Specialized Services (OSS). Staff, clientele and dates of…

This service, begun in February 1977 through the Sydney Eye Hospital Library, provides a monthly list of 40-50 references for distribution throughout the hospital and mailing to 190 members of the Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists. The analysis discusses user characteristics, items requested through the library, and most popular…

To provide graduate students with an in-depth reference and information service, the School of International Affairs has appointed a "librarian without a library" whose primary duty is to put the students in touch with the university's library resources and the diverse sources of information available in the national capital area and…

The results of a survey on the nature and functions of information desks in large academic and public libraries are examined with respect to the functions, staffing patterns, and times of service. The survey expands and updates Kleiner's 1967 study. (JB)

Describes the rise of information brokers, who package, validate, and evaluate data for clients on a cost-effective basis, and who use all forms of technology. It is suggested that librarians should familiarize themselves with these new trends, benefit from them through their use, and seek development of a national information policy. (Author/JD)

Describes some out-of-the-ordinary West Coast library and related services, both private and public, primarily in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle areas. (LS)

The Inglewood, California Public Library provides a paraprofessional information service to assist its patrons in their initial encounters with the library. Persons staffing the information desk are specially trained to answer the telephone, orient patrons to the library, screen information requests, and provide ready reference service. These…

Summary of survey of the American Library Association Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) members concerning attitudes toward, need for, and preferences in acquiring information on automated information retrieval services. (KP)