A lighthearted expose of non-typical patrons and their use and abuse of the reference librarian. (JAB)

Discussion of the guidelines which were prepared "to establish a conceptual framework of service" for all libraries by the Standards Committee of the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) of the American Library Association. (JAB)

This study explored the relationship between expanded information and referral (I&R) services and traditional reference services in public libraries in North Carolina. Results show librarians feel I&R services should be limited to those closely related to traditional reference services. Other I&R services typically provided by social…

If the library is to serve a communication function, we need not only to gain further insight into the nature and pattern of the interpersonal encounter through scholarly research, but also to have a clearly defined notion of the library's role in today's rapidly changing society. (38 references) (Author)

Examines cultural and personal factors which may affect an individual's request for medical information from a librarian and the concept of the librarian as "educator-catalyst" working with health care professionals, highlighting self-destructive tendencies of society, negative effects of some advertising, the flood tide of health…

Provides an individual's response to article by Dr. Paul Kay in the same issue of "RQ" regarding the use of health care information. Patron's health-related needs, the role of the librarian, the reference interview, and bibliotherapy are highlighted. Five references are listed. (EJS)

Discusses the special collections and archival materials often found in medium-sized public libraries which should be fully used by historical researchers. It is suggested that public libraries need to advertise their collections which are of historical interest and to be more aware of the needs of the historical researcher. (Author/JL)

Examines the role of library reference services in the enhancement of cultural literacy. The discussion covers the relationship between the extent of cultural literacy possessed by reference librarians and the quality of librarian patron interactions, and the role of reference sources in the cultural literacy of librarians and patrons. (53…

Eight librarians express their views on the state of the libraries' reference services with some suggestions for their improvement. (37 references) (NH)

Examines two issues to determine how they affect delivery of consumer health information: (1) Who is responsible for disseminating consumer health information, and what role should public and health science libraries play? (2) Should librarians (public or health science) provide medical reference works for general public? Thirty-five references…

Argues that reference librarians serve as consultants at the point of interaction as they educate patrons in the use of the online catalog and demonstrate their role in finding and providing information. Specific areas of consultation are discussed as is the relationship of formal instruction to point of use instruction. (10 references) (MES)

Discusses optical disc (CD-ROM and videodisc) reference sources in terms of: (1) databases; (2) system characteristics; (3) end-user searching; (4) education and training requirements; (5) staffing; (6) costs; and (7) funding. Areas for further research are identified and new roles suggested for the librarian in the electronic age. (34 references)…

Describes a survey of public librarians that examined their understanding and use of bibliographic instruction and their beliefs about the role of instruction in reference services. No consensus was found, but respondents' views seemed to be mediated by training in bibliographic instruction, library size, and the library's policy on user…

This essay on the future of reference librarianship addresses elements necessary to guarantee continued vitality of the profession. Discussion covers person-to-person contacts with library users, recreational functions of library, fees and "information stamps," organizational structure of library, information consulting, project-team…

Discussion of a statement of goals and objectives for reference department staff is based on an informal survey of reference managers in academic and public libraries and professional literature of planning. Strategies for developing statements (role of manager, arriving at goals, setting priorities, developing objectives) are described. Fifteen…