Develops two models of reference interview behavior: the Needs-Oriented Model and the Question-Oriented Model. The models are tested by reanalysis of data from a 1978 dissertation on interviews in the public library setting. Results show the appropriateness of the models and indicate that the question-oriented interview was more prevalent. (eight…

Discussion of financing database searching in the public library examines the role of the public library in providing access to information; costs of online services; and user fees. Techniques that a library can use to control online services and deliver them at a minimum cost are suggested. (eight references) (MES)

Master's students in library science and students in a library technician program were asked to read scripts of reference interviews in which the amount of bibliographic instruction and the "maleness" or "femaleness" of questions were varied. They were then asked to make a judgment about the competence of the reference…

Presents ideas and strategies to enhance digital reference services available via the Internet in public libraries. Describes print publications which include Web reference columns; subject guides, both print and online; and the resources of the Internet Public Library and other virtual reference desks. (LRW)

Describes the results of a survey of public service librarians conducted by the Queens Borough Public Library to determine their confidence levels of using electronic resource to answer reference questions. Results demonstrated high confidence levels in using the library's online catalog and lower confidence in using the Internet. (Author/LRW)

Explores the feasibility of a centralized, networked reference service in a library setting by comparing traditional reference services at the County of Los Angeles Public Library with a commercial inbound call center. Discusses costs and efficiency when librarians answer questions able to be handled by paraprofessionals. (Author/LRW)

About 18 months ago, we at the reference desk of the Vigo County Public Library (VCPL) in Terre Haute, Ind., noticed a troubling fact. Many of our small, local, nonprofit agencies did not have Web sites, making it difficult to locate and share information about these groups with the community. We began to ponder that if we, as information…

Library environments and the methods of providing services to library patrons are drastically changing with the availability of new technologies. Online public access catalogs are replacing card catalogs, CD-ROM databases have encroached upon the domain of their paper counterparts, and newspapers, encyclopedias, and dictionaries are also available…

This training manual was written for student reference assistants to teach them about the Monterey County Free Library (California) and about libraries in general. It introduces library nomenclature (e.g., automated system, interlibrary loan, and MLS), describes requirements of the reference assistant position, and provides information on how to…

This guide to adult reference works and services for the small or medium-sized public library is divided into two sections. Section One lists 559 numbered items arranged in 22 subsections, and 222 additional items in notes following entries or at the end of the relevant subsection. Subject areas are as follows: guides and bibliographies; general…

This paper examines the reasons for and the means of providing public library service to business and industry. It discusses the organization of a business and industry service, staff qualifications and training, and the composition of the collection. The importance of studies and surveys to determine the information and service needs of the…

This commentary is taken from speeches and discussions at (1) Meeting on New York State Library Development, Albany, March 3, 1967, (2) Annual System Conference, Lake Minnewaska, March 30-April 1, 1967, and (3) Meeting of School Librarians and Administrators, New York City, May 15, 1967. Discussions cover the methodology and findings of the…

Research methods and a comparative analysis of quantitative results of a study of the adequacy of collections and efficiency of reference services in 25 New Jersey public and county libraries are presented. Methods include use of a prepared bibliography on paleontology and a test question, both designed to be asked of reference librarians by…

This publication represents a new approach to the determination of public library goals. It contains objectives and goals, as well as activities relating to goals, for all functions of the Inglewook Public Library. Unique is a concept of common goals and activities which apply to three or more divisions within the library. In compiling general…

This reference use survey conducted by the Reference Committee of the Southern Connecticut Council in 1972 was undertaken to determine the present pattern of reference use and to assist in future planning. Some of the characteristics of the 18 public libraries participating in the survey include a media per capita expenditure of $4.65 in 1971, a…