Library Pathfinders into the Social Sciences--alternatives to standard techniques used in the teaching of subject reference and bibliography--are described. (1 reference) (SJ)

Describes an approach to teaching general and subject reference to students early in their academic life. Includes a bibliography of 20 guides. (JB)

Explains in simple terms the nature and function of a number of basic types of business and industrial financial ratios. An annotated list of five basic sources for ratios is included and a reference list and bibliography are attached. (JL)

Describes the computer-based online system, UNBIS, developed for expanded reference and information services and to provide bibliographic control of United Nations document holdings. The report includes descriptions of current and future UNBIS information products. (RAA)

Two knowledge-based systems (KBS) are compared and contrasted; a test, based on 15 typical United States government document reference questions about the federal level of government, measured correct responses and keystroke efficiency. Concludes that there is a need for improvement of KBS in the government information field. (Author/AEF)

Purpose: Aims to investigate the impact of the internet on reference services in public libraries in England. Design/methodology/approach: A literature review provides the policy context for UK public library services and highlights developments in digital reference. A questionnaire was administered in 2003 to a sample of the public library…

The Internet is becoming an increasingly important medium of electronic information dissemination, and thus an increasingly important library reference tool. This study examines the Internet skills of a sample group of 15 public reference librarians in the Adult Services Department at the Cleveland Heights Public Library. The Internet skills that…

The Library of Congress Subject Headings, a tool used almost exclusively by catalogers, currently is assuming equal importance in reference service as an aid for students and a unique tool for reference librarians. Most reference inquiries require the use of appropriate subject headings--an especially vital function for computer searches. The…

A project team was commissioned to gather information which could be used by the Reference Standards Committee of the American Library Association in their development of standards for library reference services. The metropolitan Atlanta area was selected because it includes in an accessible geographical area the entire range of types of…

Argues for the creation of a genealogy and history file in libraries, using the Bristol (Virginia-Tennessee) Public Library experience. As an extension of the library's collection, the file also provides access to the private collections of participants and offers users a means of obtaining selective information quickly and inexpensively. (JD)

In this study quantifiable characteristics of encyclopedia articles such as subjects treated, length, illustrations and bibliographies were examined. Random subsamples were analyzed and the findings are presented in twelve tables. (1 reference) (DH)

Reference librarians overestimate the knowledge graduate students have about reference sources in the library. Many students responding to the questionnaire could not list indexes and abstracts within their specialty fields. Better library orientation and instruction are needed. (4 references) (DH)

A new course at the University of California School of Library Service, Los Angeles, which involves actual library reference desk experience is described. (2 references) (NH)

Discusses a dilemma facing government documents librarians as a result of the multitude and complexity of presently available indexing aids to government publications: how to provide the library users with the means for understanding sophisticated access tools and enhanced collections. A 13-entry reference list is included. (Author/JL)

Reports a computer assisted index emphasizing expanded subject access to the reference collection of the Iowa State University Library. The index displays abbreviated length records and complements existing catalogs. Limitations of subject access and a system for assigning subject descriptors are discussed. (Author/RAA)