Focuses on the design and capabilities of the WLN (Washington Library Network) computer system to provide reference and other public service functions. Specific topics addressed include bibliographic formats for microform and online catalogs, bibliographic standards for reference use, the effects of AACR 2, and the growth of the WLN system.…

Describes the introduction of virtual, or digital, reference service at the University of New Brunswick libraries. Highlights include analyzing transcripts from LIVE (Library Information in a Virtual Environment); reference question types; ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) information literacy competency standards; and the Big 6…

This excerpt from "The CD-ROM Handbook" (Desmarais, Meckler Corp., 1988) describes a variety of CD-ROM products with library applications. Highlights include cataloging services; acquisitions; public access catalogs; reference works; indexes and databases; and names and addresses of 30 vendors connected with the optical publishing…

Describes use studies of OCLC's FirstSearch, an online reference service for end-users, that was conducted at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are described, including use statistics, online user surveys, questionnaires, and focus groups; and strengths and weaknesses of FirstSearch are…

Describes new products that relate to document delivery, including a wireless electronic mail connection; multivendor office integration software to exchange electronic mail; analog film recorders; an electronic messaging system for personal computer local area networks; software for transferring data files; voice message delivery systems; and…

Describes the design and implementation of the Reference Expert, a database based on INMAGIC software which contains problem reference questions and answers for use by library reference desk staff. Topics discussed include staff response to the database and problems encountered in its development. A sidebar describes the use of WORM…

Describes results of a survey of rural public libraries that was conducted to determine what technology is currently available and in use. Highlights include library personnel education; cataloging and other areas of technical services; reference services; online databases; and suggestions for further studies. A copy of the questionnaire…

Provides an interview with K. Wayne Smith, chief executive officer of OCLC, that focuses on OCLC's online reference services. Topics include the ratio between technical and online reference services, how OCLC fits into the online industry, telecommunications, electronic publishing, pricing, database tape leases, and CD-ROM. (EAM)

Describes online information systems that have been developed for community access. Systems available in cities around the country are explained and include electronic bulletin boards, local government information, human services information, library online catalogs, commercial databases, and electronic mail. Possible levels of library involvement…

Discusses issues raised by the development of remote reference. Two scenarios are proposed: (1) how Internet users and their information-seeking behavior challenge the traditional reference service model, its value system, and the librarian role in that model, and (2) a model of close linkages between librarians and users engaged as partners along…

Provides details, expectations, and advantages of web-based and web-research tutorials. Describes the web-based instructional support services established for the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) intended to eliminate duplication of effort among the VCCS Learning Resource Centers, share the expertise of librarians throughout the VCCS, and…

Explores library-user infatuation with electronic resources, the rapid growth of electronic resources and their impact on traditional reference services, and reference services in an electronic society. Discusses a survey of 200 academic libraries investigating electronic resources and their impact on library personnel, especially on…

Building or rebuilding a library media center to accommodate new technologies and teaching methods requires careful planning. New national standards for library media programs are useful starting points. Space should be allotted for a circulation area, online catalog/electronic reference area, librarian's office, workroom/storeroom, and class…

First defining and tracing the historical background of home schooling in the United States, this paper then researches how home schooling families are using computers and online technologies. Two separate surveys were conducted. The first was a voice-to-voice survey to determine a computer usage baseline from a population of 103 home schooling…

Data concerning online searching in the State University of New York (SUNY) Library System was obtained from a 50-question survey of the 63 SUNY libraries conducted in March 1983. A total of 52 surveys were completed. It was found that: 18 campuses offered inhouse online search services to their patrons, 15 additional campuses offered access to…