Six essays addressing the provision of online search services in academic libraries highlight passing on costs, academic library turf, current and future funding (on and off campus), a healthy competition, the future role of libraries, charges to users, end user searching, and online information. References are provided. (EJS)

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…

Argues that libraries will become extinct in the future if they do not take on a more active role in serving the information needs of patrons, and advocates the development of expertise at switching centers for electronic information. Seven references are listed. (LLS)

Discusses the findings and implications of a California Library Association survey in 1977 which investigated the availability of online search services, factors affecting the decision to charge, and the bases of fee schedules at 28 California libraries. Previous research is mentioned. Eight tables and 14 references are included. (RBF)

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…

Describes the work of librarians at Illinois State University in teaching faculty about the Internet through a series of librarian-initiated and faculty-initiated projects. Explains how librarians continued their role as information providers, adapting to the situations faced by the faculty, whose information needs did not always match their…

Discusses how librarians in the new role of "informationist" can help doctors and researches of medical information. Describes existing models of the informationist; potential benefits of working across professional boundaries outside the library; professional requirements; and unresolved issues for the new role, including potential…

Discussion of the reference practitioner-client relationship in academic libraries focuses on mediation and client self-determination. Highlights include the role of librarians, assessing the needs of the client, limitations in client capacity to make choices, empowering clients, and developing partnerships. (Author/LRW)

Public libraries do not always meet community information needs because librarians are trained to answer questions through books when often the best information in an area is from alternative sources. The government provides free information on investments, jobs, health, and legal problems; experts and clearinghouses are other good information…

Reflects on issues raised at the Library of Congress Institute on "Reference Service in a Digital Age." Discusses technology-oriented changes at the Library of Congress; the changing reference service model; collaborative partnerships; staff training; and the role of the reference librarian in the digital environment. (AEF)

Discusses expectations of public library reference service and the reality of what librarians can provide amid declining resources. Suggests reference librarians should define the gap between potential and reality in reference service, and inform the customers about how little money it would take to provide better service. Argues that librarians…

Based on the authors' experiences as catalog, reference, and network resources librarians, this paper examines traditional methods of operation and the emerging blending of duties and the effects on individuals and the profession. Examines changing demands on library users as a cause for the blurring lines. Concludes that catalogers and reference…

Describes the Lippincott Library (Warton School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) online chat reference service for students/faculty/staff to ask questions through chat and get an immediate response using a commercial service provided by LivePerson. LivePerson is a real-time text interface between the user who seeks information and the operator…

This guidebook and annotated bibliography is designed to provide a basic listing of sources of state (Maryland), federal, and some general law for the non-law library community, and to offer some insight into the suggested approaches for dealing with legal reference inquiries. Listings of contributors and members of the Task Force on Improving…

An urban public library responds to an invitation from the local Fire and Rescue Services Department to make suggestions for improving communication between the library and the County Emergency Management Program. Recommendations are made for library involvement in long-term prevention, preparedness to respond, response to emergencies, and…