Describes a study that examined the effects of life satisfaction and job satisfaction on reference librarians in public libraries. Results showed a moderate positive relationship between life satisfaction and job satisfaction, and practical implications for library directors, educators in the field of library and information science, and…

The purpose of this paper is to show the growing use of the World Wide Web to answer questions in the public library from the perspective of a librarian at the Parsippany Public Library in Morris County, New Jersey. Discussion includes the following: information on Parsippany and Morris County; a brief history of the World Wide Web; uses of a…

This study examined whether user satisfaction with library services is affected by certain objective and subjective librarian behaviors exhibited during the reference interview. A patron survey was conducted during July 1993 in three branches of Cuyahoga County Public Library, located in northeastern Ohio. The sample was determined by the patrons…

Willingness to return to the same librarian avoids the limitations associated with using accuracy as a primary measure of success. Based on a case study, factors associated with the successful reference interaction are examined. Problems with accuracy as a success measure, staff activity upon approach, interpersonal skills, and ability to…

Discussion of problems in library reference services focuses on the influence of gender roles. A historical overview of gender roles in the development of American librarianship is presented that highlights stereotyped views of and attitudes toward women, which the author suggests still have influences on librarianship today. (17 references) (LRW)

Discussion of stress in library reference departments focuses on stress caused by CD-ROM reference tools. Topics discussed include work overload; nonreference duties; patron attitudes and behavior; staff attitudes; the need for proper staff training; and the need for library administrators to be sensitive to reference staff needs. (LRW)

Offers a new approach to evaluating reference librarians, as well as a new standard of evaluation based on a study of exemplary reference librarians that was conducted via electronic networks. Characteristics of exemplary reference librarians relating to attitude, professional skills, and interpersonal skills are described. (Contains 28…

Provides an overview of eight articles by Charles Bunge related to the reference environment that deal with attitudes of the reference librarian, planning and objectives for the reference department, interpersonal dimensions of reference interviews, stress and burnout, and ethics. (LRW)

Discusses reference librarians' dissatisfaction with their profession and the resulting negative attitudes toward library education, the professional literature, and the users. Teaching reference courses is suggested as a method of overcoming these negative attitudes. (Contains three references.) (LRW)

Describes a survey of midsized academic libraries that measured the departmental relationship between librarians who provide reference services and librarians who provide instructional services. Discusses satisfaction levels with various organizational arrangements as well as pros and cons of integrated or separate reference and instruction…

Reports on results of an exploratory study of perceptions of collections by librarians in an academic library that provides both traditional and networked information services. Five librarians from a Midwestern university library were interviewed. Findings indicated an uncertainty about the virtual world in two particular areas: collection and…

Differing perspectives of reference collection development librarians and publishers are presented for the following topics: fairness of pricing trends; best/worst ways to communicate about new reference titles; deciding which sources should be published; impact of electronic materials on reference services; deciding on/selecting formats; and…

From a librarian's point of view, children using the Internet need to be cautioned about more than just the dangers of offensive materials and persons. Topics include teaching critical-use skills for evaluating electronic reference sources, problems with commercialism, and differentiating between fact and opinion. (LRW)

Describes issues raised during a major reorganization and consolidation of reference services at Oregon State University. Attitudes of reference librarians and library administrators are reported, steps involved in the reorganization are outlined, and reactions from faculty are discussed with emphasis on the need for cooperation between librarians…

A survey of curriculum centers in Illinois academic institutions found that a wide range of library services were offered to education faculty, staff, and students and that librarians were committed to the education community and the larger university. (EA)