Reviews the literature on online bibliographic databases for secondary sources in history. The effect of online databases on the reference process is discussed, and the principal databases in the field are introduced. Areas for future research are suggested, and 23 references are listed. (Author/MES)

Discusses sources of available data on reference questions asked and answered in public libraries, and analyzes data collected between 1970 and 1985 in nine states. National data from libraries in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain are also presented. (Author/MES)

Evaluates the database program SAVVY PC and describes its use in a public library reference department to index a local newspaper. The basic structure of SAVVY and FORTH, the language it's written in, are explained along with how the database is used. Advantages and disadvantages of the system are discussed. (EM)

Rectangular Venn diagramming for planning searches and for use as worksheets that can be revised during on-line searching is described. (Author)

Categorizes and compares sample of public and academic library reference questions. (KP)

The results of a survey on the nature and functions of information desks in large academic and public libraries are examined with respect to the functions, staffing patterns, and times of service. The survey expands and updates Kleiner's 1967 study. (JB)

Two problems in the education of reference librarians and the efforts made by a project to remedy them are discussed in this article: unsatisfactory teaching methods, and variation of education and skill among students. (Author/SJ)

The history of bibliographic control is given for three African nations. Included is a listing of published bibliographies. Solutions to numerous problems are suggested. (DH)

Penang, Malaysia is undergoing rapid industrialization to stimulate its economy. A survey was conducted to determine what technical, scientific, and commercial information sources were available. Areas covered in the survey were library facilities, journals, commercial reference works and audio-visual materials. (DH)

Most municipalities do not have bibliographic control and checklists of their publications. Because of the complexity of the subject, and major obstacles in locating materials of interest to their clientele, reference librarians need to understand the benefits of documents and locate sources for them. (10 references) (Author/DH)

Good reference librarians need to be good interviewers. Unfortunately most librarians have not learned to use the technique of open questions to obtain information about the user and what he is looking for. Examples of open and closed questions with typical responses are given. (4 references) (DH)

The value of the verification of requests for periodical articles as recommended by the Interlibrary Loan Procedure Manual'' is brought to issue. (1 reference) (Author/NH)

A committee of the Reference and Adult Services Division of ALA has prepared a list of the outstanding reference books published in 1972. Topics include films and theater, history and geography, religion and sports, and hobbies. (67 references) (DH)

Teaching of reference and subject bibliography in British Library schools has changed in content and method in the last decade. The reasons are: the British Library Association has revised its syllabi and examining methods, undergraduate courses have been established at non-university schools, and the teachers of reference have become…

The University of Hawaii Graduate School of Library Studies field tested, and found adequate, a programed text, self-study approach for a course in library reference services. (1 reference) (SJ)