Discusses the benefits of creating a collegial environment for library reference staff, highlighting application of the "Golden Rule," supervisor's role, policies and procedures, barriers to success (lack of communication, competitiveness, conflict, dictatorial supervisors, envy, burnout, lack of reward), collegial education and…

Although librarians in approximately one-third of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) have a rank or status similar to other faculty, their activities, responsibilities and involvement vary considerably. A survey was conducted to determine the autonomy of library faculty organizations and their role in library and university governance, and…

The purpose of this study was to gather five categories of data on acquisitions librarians in academic libraries: which libraries employ them; their managerial status; their goals; the satisfaction they derive from their work and positions; and their influence on library policies. Two surveys, "Role of the Acquisitions Librarian in University and…

This policy statement for a university library covers goals and objectives of collection development, the sharing of resources, and the responsibilities of both teaching faculty and librarians in the collection development process, as well as general library policies and guidelines and selection policies in the various subject areas and university…

The "College Library Information Packet (CLIP) Note" series is known for providing college and university libraries with reviews and current documentation on library practices and procedures of relevance to them. This "CLIP Note" provides information and sample policies on travel, sabbaticals, and study leaves of absence in small academic…

Summarizes the debate concerning use of desks versus counters in reference areas of academic libraries. Librarians argued whether patrons were more likely to approach a standing or a sitting librarian. In general, patrons preferred approaching a standing librarian; however, only small studies were conducted. In practice, libraries are designed in…

Discusses issues of censorship and intellectual freedom that affect library media specialists and librarians. An annotated list of relevant resource materials is included, and suggestions for further action are given, including examining the library's material selection policy statement and involving students and teachers. (LRW)

Examines three essential questions and suggests areas for research in each: (1) How are digital resource users best served: What resources will they want? How will they want to use them? What services will most enhance use? (2) What elements are required for a coherent preservation strategy covering resources both digital and traditional? (3) What…

Collection development policies as traditionally conceived are of little practical utility. Research librarians will better serve themselves and their users by devising flexible guides to information associated with particular fields of study. Resource maps using electronic technology could accommodate different kinds of inquiries. (Author/AEF)

Presents American Library Association guidelines for medical, legal, and business responses at general reference desks covering the role of the librarian, including interpretation, advice, confidentiality, and tact; sources, including currency and referrals; telephone or mail reference; and ethics. (MES)

The American Library Association (ALA) expresses the basic principles of librarianship in its "Code of Ethics" and in the "Library Bill of Rights" and its interpretations. All library system and network policies, procedures or regulations relating to electronic resources and services should be scrutinized for potential…

In order to identify other libraries' policies regarding public access to personal computers, the Hudson Library and Historical Society sent a survey to the reference and/or informational services librarians in the 18 public libraries of the Cleveland (Ohio) Public Library Consortium. The purpose of the 32-item questionnaire was to determine if…

The University of London appointed a committee with the charge to investigate the library provisions and conditions within the University in relation to the library resources of the London area in general; to explore the possibilities of increased co-ordination and co-operation between these libraries; and to make recommendations on all aspects of…

Model for evaluation of library reference services examines four elements of reference process: librarians' performance on requests for factual information; knowledge of library policies, procedures, or services; provision of bibliographical instruction; and performance of interviewing techniques. Reference service questionnaire, criteria for…

This paper focuses on ethics for librarians and library science in the age of electronic information. First outlined is the "public relations nightmare" that the Internet is creating for the administrators and the library staff. It is suggested that libraries pick a common sense approach that involves the library staff and community and…