Summarizes four options for libraries that want to offer end user searching: end user systems (Bibliographic Retrieval Service's Afterdark, DIALOG's Knowledge Index); front-end microcomputer software (Sci-Mate Searcher, Pro-Search, WILSEARCH); gateway services (EASYNET); and local databases (now available on floppy and compact discs). Advantages…

Presents the results of a survey of library schools regarding: (1) the content of basic reference courses; (2) the extent to which electronic retrieval has been integrated into general reference courses; and (3) faculty opinions on the potential impact of electronic retrieval on the role and responsibilities of the reference librarian. (20…

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)

Discussion of technological developments in library reference services focuses on contributions of the H. W. Wilson Company and highlights CD-ROM technology. Topics discussed include online access; menu-driven systems; CD-ROM hardware and software concerns; user response to CD-ROM; quality control of databases; pricing considerations; and future…

Examines two databases--MEDLINE and ABI/INFORM--as currently implemented on laserdisk, commercial systems, and local time-sharing in the University of Pennsylvania libraries. The direct costs to the library of installing and operating the three formats are analyzed, and costs and benefits to users are discussed, including comparisons of the…

Reports the results of a survey that examined the role of small university libraries in Canadian communities. The discussion covers services currently available to communities, areas in which services could be improved or extended, and the benefits to be gained by both the library and the community. (19 references) (Author/CLB)

Provides Internet connections related to feature stories in this issue. Gives search tips to use on the Internet, lists Net addresses where additional information on feature article topics can be found, and briefly discusses resources given. Topics include the solar system, children's literature, phonics and whole language, and writing. (ET)

Guest columnist Paul D. Healey discusses World Wide Web as an Internet reference tool for librarians in adult reference services. Discussion highlights include an examination of Web uses in retrieving hypertext documents, a review of Web uses in law libraries, an analysis of quality control problems, and challenges faced by users. (JMV)

Argues that, with the trend toward viewing reference librarians as information brokers and the reification and privatization of information, the traditional goals of libraries and librarianship are being lost, i.e., providing free and open access to books and information to promote informed democracy and the public good. (63 references) (EAM)

Describes contents and format of effective quick reference guides for users of CD-ROM databases. The different needs of beginning and more sophisticated users are detailed; guidelines for organizing information and laying out the text are provided; and two formats for user aids are pictured. (KRN)

Discusses issues that managers of academic library electronic reference services are facing. Topics discussed include the quantity of mediated searches; organizational changes, i.e., who electronic services staff report to; management by committee; administrative options; changing job responsibilities of searchers and other staff members, both…

Examines how technology has changed the library systems since the 1970s and 1980s. Asserts that information retrieval has gained a speed and immediacy that it did not have a decade ago, and that library users have expectations of convenience when using electronic information sources, which has caused reference librarians to rethink traditional…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit examines the current state of online services based upon the experiences of a select number of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries in the United States and Canada. Many of the kit documents were obtained during a survey of eight private institutions conducted for Duke…

In academic libraries, online searching services and reference departments often have to compete for a share of financial and personnel resources. This paper examines how San Jose State University Library solved the problems of shrinking budgets, space constraints, and loss of trained searchers by integrating the online search service into the…

The basics of online searching for bibliographic citations are presented through use of the "Economic Literature Index" (ELI), which is available as File 139 on Dialog Information Services. This article focuses on the choice of media for bibliographic searches, search strategies, and the selection of alternative databases, such as…