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)

Discusses results of a survey of factors influencing database use in public libraries. Highlights the importance of content; ease of use; and importance of instruction. Tabulates importance indications for number and location of workstations, library hours, availability of remote login, usefulness and quality of content, lack of other databases,…

The history of series books is traced from their appearance during the Civil War to the present time, along with published comments from librarians about the suitability of these stories for children. A recent sampling of opinion from youngsters about their interest in series books is compared with some responses from librarians. (AEF)

This paper describes the many difficulties of a newly founded satellite branch library to evolve into an independent college library within sixteen years. Changing roles and priorities are discussed, as well as the influence of the accrediting agency on this small California community college library. (Contains 3 notes.)

As the position of bibliographic instruction within academic libraries continues to be more and more important, the question still remains as to why so many good bibliographic instruction librarians suffer from emotional "blahs" and eventual burnout. The answer does not lie in character flaws of the librarians, nor simply in an ever-increasing…

Library media specialists, 55 from each of 5 states which have organized child-choice state award programs--Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Texas--were surveyed to ascertain their position on the question of whether library media specialists should purchase Caldecott/Newbery or state award books. The survey consisted of two…

This membership meeting of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) opened with an overview of library facility design in light of changing institutional and technological environments. The General Program Session included two panel presentations. The first featured architects who have designed library buildings and who offered their personal…

A survey was conducted of 104 Ohio academic libraries to determine how these libraries define security problems, what type of security problems existed in the libraries and what the extent of these problems was. The survey of 11 questions revealed the following: few Ohio academic libraries have a written security policy; a significant number…

This issue contains nine articles written by Indiana librarians involved in bibliographic instruction: (1) "Information Management Education--Beyond BI (Bibliographic Instruction)" (Gillian S. Gremmels); (2) "Dealing with the New Technology: An Instructional Primer" (Patrick Max); (3) "Librarian/Teacher Partnerships for…

The book "Double Fold" is an investigation into what its author Nicholas Baker, a novelist and essayist, terms as a deception of research libraries and their maintenance of books and newspapers, their paper collections. This book is a response to Baker's writings, based on the author's perspective as an archivist. The first chapter introduces…

Surveys conducted in 1982, 1989, and 1992 studied librarians' perceptions of the costs and benefits of faculty status. Respondents from eight campuses representing four types of institutions of the State University of New York system rated eight criteria from the Association of College and Research Libraries "Standards for Faculty Status of…

Compiles listserv responses from practicing library professionals on advice to give new librarians. Encourages newcomers to join library listservs and associations, practice continuous education, actively participate in organizations, develop a sense of humor, and maintain a service attitude. Other advice includes developing outside interests and…

Explores the different perceptions of community college and four-year institution library professionals toward bibliographic instruction (BI) for transfer students based on a SUNY (State University of New York) study. Topics include a literature review, the use of a written survey and interviews, and differences in instructional design and faculty…

Discussion of the curriculum for library and information studies focuses on courses at the Queensland University of Technology (Australia) dealing with information organization. Highlights include subject design and implementation; unit objectives; instructional design; course content; student assignments; and reactions from the professional…