Outlines current function of the school library media center, highlighting reference services, the information function, national standards, the library media program, the teaching of library media skills, library instruction as a shared responsibility of classroom teachers and media specialists, and the development of the reference collection.…

Describes a study of the different effects of online bibliographic searching and manual bibliographic searching on research quality and productivity among a group of graduate students assigned the task of compiling bibliographies. The study methodology is outlined, and 12 references and tables summarizing student responses to a questionnaire are…

Discusses electronic reference service from a teen's point of view and from the school library media specialist's view. Considers traits that attract teens, including anonymity, speed, and convenience; and explains concerns of media specialists, including quality of electronic resources, how to provide access, library instruction options, and…

Reports on a Delphi study developing consensus about the information needs of members of the Women's Studies faculty at the University of Michigan. Discusses the implications of the findings for future research in collection development, instruction, and reference service. Also presents the consensus on top priority and lowest priority issues.…

The first article discusses how recent changes in both the academic library and the computing center have aligned their separate missions and functions. The second examines the roles of the reference librarian and the computing center in providing assistance and instruction in electronic information resources to library users. (CLB)

Discusses the evolution of GIS (geographic information systems) services and the roles that reference and public services professionals may play in providing this technology to users: developing collections to incorporate GIS; providing access to spatial information and software tools; and facilitating intellectual access to GIS concepts and…

Reviews the literature on the cost effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction in libraries and describes a case study of the Interactive Media Center at the State University of New York at Albany that shows continuously increasing use. Useful applications of interactive multimedia are described, and suggestions for further research are…

Discusses problems that the lack of standardization in electronic journal publishing creates for reference or bibliographic instruction librarians and describes a study that examined science, technology, and medicine journals publishers' Web sites, focusing on those features most relevant to end users. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of patrons and reference librarians as sources of data for the evaluation of the effectiveness of answers to reference questions. Describes the Wisconsin-Ohio Reference Evaluation program and considers staffing patterns, time spent, collection size, and bibliographic instruction. Reference Transaction…

Describes the research objectives, rationale, methodology, and findings of a model program developed at the Northwestern University Library, which examined whether online catalogs require instruction and, if so, how that instruction would be best delivered. (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…

To help foreign students adjust to academic environment, the University of California-Davis Library developed a personalized instructional program (small groups, "on call" service) with a dual emphasis: teaching international students how to find and use library information; educating library staff to recognize/understand the special…

This paper describes the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Library's strategic plan to develop its services amid an atmosphere of change. A summary of the following components of the strategic plan is given: vision; mission; values; and goals. The revised organizational functions are then illustrated, as well as the role of the selector-liaison…

Describes a pilot project at the University of New Mexico library that offered peer tutoring services through the undergraduate learning center to teach students library skills and strategies for successful research. Discusses tutors assisting during other library instruction and future plans for tutors to provide electronic resource assistance in…

Outlines the history and curriculum of Stuyvesant High School, and describes both the intellectually gifted student body and the role played by the school's library media center. Topics discussed include the library facility; its collections; library instruction; reference services; and plans for the future. (CLB)