Through descriptions of widely available and helpful sources to find answers about North American Indians, this article highlights some basic library sources such as reference books, reference librarians, electronic indexes, on-line databases, and periodic indexes. In finding books owned by the library about North American Indians, the use of the…

The focus of this collection of papers about library reference service is on the community outside the library, rather than the special populations served within it. "Conflicts in Value Systems" (Allen B. Veaner) is an overview of the major conflict areas facing the library profession today. "Reference Services for Off-Campus…

This report on some of the strategic planning decisions that OCLC has made for the 21st century begins by describing the evolution of OCLC from a pioneer in the computer revolution with its Online Union Catalog and Shared Cataloging System in 1971 to a system that currently has nearly 60 distinct offerings. Corresponding computer and…

A survey of 88 users of SISMAKOM, a computerized selective dissemination of information (SDI) and document delivery service provided by the Universiti Sains Malaysia and four other Malaysian universities, was conducted in August 1982 in order to collect data about SISMAKOM and to assess the value of a computerized SDI service in a developing…

This document presents guidelines on the organization of short courses and workshops on the dissemination of data in science and technology. Such courses can be either of a "stand-alone" nature or they can constitute scientific data components of more general courses in information science. These courses are intended for documentalists,…

A study was conducted in September 1981 of factors which influence the process of communication between clients and staff at six high-capacity computer facilities in the Sacramento, California, metropolitan area. These included two large government organizations, a medium-sized corporation, two bibliographic database settings, and a computer…

Special supplement to "Library Journal" and "School Library Journal" covers topics of interest to school, public, academic, and special libraries planning for automation: microcomputer use, readings in automation, online searching, databases of microcomputer software, public access to microcomputers, circulation, creating a…

Seven articles present history and overview of an academic online catalog. Highlights include linking of the library circulation system with the full bibliographic record system; planning and maintenance of an online catalog; effect of the online catalog on reference (uses, services, personnel); and a microcomputer-based user interface. References…

Geared toward librarians who frequently work with faculty and graduate students, this paper summarizes the experience of the library at the University of Southern California in organizing and conducting several subject specific workshops on using the Internet as a research medium. It examines the practical issues on how to approach the task of…

This paper describes the creation of a comprehensive evaluation tool for reference librarians in adult service divisions to use in selecting World Wide Web sites as reference sources. Traditional evaluation criteria, endorsed and applied by librarians over the years, are not sufficient for the evaluation of today's hypermedia web site environment.…

Presents a selective guide to some of the best Internet sites for obtaining reference information in the area of United States History. The categories covered include historical documents, archival directories, bibliographies, book reviews, statistics, discussion groups, biographical information, and online guides to the Internet. (Author)

To compete effectively in the world of electronic reference, libraries must offer remote patrons a variety of index, abstract, and full text services, which are easy to access and which answer questions. A marketing alliance between electronic reference vendors and public libraries would ensure access, fair compensation for publishers and authors,…

Discusses the concept of electronic workstations and describes four different types: (1) the academic workstation; (2) the reference workstation (i.e., for end users); (3) the information specialist workstation; and (4) the workstation for management information. The creation of a new integrated information center (ICC) is also described. (11…

Reports results of an electronic survey of users of CD-ROM databases at a university library. Data are presented on experience level, database selection, how users learned of the service, use of multiple databases, favorite features, user satisfaction, preferred source of help, research strategies, and use of printed versions. A copy of the…

Describes the strategic plan developed for reference services offered by OCLC Online Computer Library Center to provide easier access to, and use of, information and knowledge. Topics addressed include the environment of libraries and publishers, including budgets, networks, and pricing, and future plans, including an emphasis on online products.…