This report describes a study undertaken to identify the types of telephoned reference questions received by the Languages Centre of the Metropolitan Toronto Library. In April 1980 two samples of one-week's duration were taken from reference staff records indicating the number of telephone calls in or about a particular language and the day on…

The objectives of the study were to determine the extent and nature of unmet needs of users of reference and research library resources and to propose measures to meet those needs. Data on research library use were collected by 3 questionnaires sent to 4 groups of users: 1) all faculty members of 4-year public and private institutions of higher…

This study examined differences between public library patrons and librarians in their assessments of the competence of librarians they observed in videotaped reference interviews. Interviews varied in the level of nonverbal warmth shown by the librarian toward the patron and in the level of inclusion exhibited. (6 references) (Author/MES)

Reports on comparison of costs of manual versus computer reference service at Deerfield Public Library (Illinois) and Houston Public Library. Costs for online services, equipment, searches per database, salaries, reference books, business reference subscriptions, periodicals, and labor are included. Unknown costs and time involved to answer…

This comparison of online searching cost figures from several of North Suburban Library System's public libraries notes search costs for 1984, average costs for public library computer searches, cost discrepancies, barriers to integration of online searching as a reference tool, searching data, and philosophical decisions. (EJS)

Profile of a regional and subject oriented library networking experience in New Jersey focuses on the function of the Art Department of the Newark Public Library. Resource and reference services, categories of reference questions, interlibrary loans, photocopy service, and additional services are highlighted. Six sources are given. (EJS)

This survey of rural and suburban libraries produced over 660 usable responses on special problems of rural libraries. Nearly half of libraries had budgets of under $30,000; about half did not have M.L.S. degree-holding staff members; majority participated in cooperative system; many reported inadequate reference resources; and isolation was major…

This discussion of the services offered at the public library on Montserrat, one of the smallest of the Commonwealth Eastern Caribbean Islands, covers adult and children's reference and reader's services at the main library, bookmobile services, bibliographic control, and the card catalog. (EJS)

Presents results of a telephone survey of 30 librarians from rural Pennsylvanian public libraries conducted by the Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship at Clarion State College, Pennsylvania. Average population served, hours of service, book collection size, and questions asked are noted. Seven references are cited. (EJS)

Discusses the implementation of free online search services at the Mount Vernon Public Library for all registered borrowers of the county library system. Policy decisions and planning, operating procedures, publicity, and usage evaluation are noted. Retrieval procedures, search request forms, and sample searches are appended. (EJS)

Examines the creation of the Internet Public Library Reference Division in the historical context of librarians' efforts to integrate the use of technologies with reference services. Discussion considers ways that librarians have successfully incorporated new technologies and makes recommendations for use of the Reference Division and Internet…

Due to inaccuracies in method, public libraries consistently undermeasure their reference transactions. This article chronicles the process of developing ways to systematize the count. Results of a literature survey, merits of various sample sizes, sample selection, and calculations are all discussed. Appendices include a list of categories of…

Historical review covers: (1) the rise of research and research libraries, 1850-1900; (2) the genesis of reference service, 1875-95; (3) the growth of reference service in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (4) reference practices in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (5) legislative and municipal reference work, 1900-16; and (6) current trends…

Provides the background and outline of a one-day workshop on reference evaluation which integrates the elements of goals, objectives, and mission statements with output measurements from the point of view of reference service. Practical exercises to accompany such a workshop are suggested. (five references) (MES)

Lists guidelines for education, experience, level of knowledge/skill, and general reference ability to be considered in selecting public library online searching staff. Content of staff development programs is outlined in three areas: (1) general orientation; (2) training in the fundamentals of online searching; and (3) online searcher development…