The reference interview is a critical function of reference work; what a librarian says and does can either build a relationship of trust and satisfaction with patrons, or serve to distance them from librarians. This pilot study examined the attitudes of academic and public librarians toward the reference interview. Librarians from Kent State…

This report contains the results of a survey sent to 2,883 librarians throughout Pennsylvania, both members and nonmembers of the Pennsylvania Library Association (PLA). The nonmembers of PLA were members of the American Library Association (ALA), however. The total response rate was 21% (n=620). There were recurring themes in the responses from…

This report is the result of a task force's examination of factors that promote or discourage access to public libraries, i.e., economic, educational, social, attitudinal, physical, and geographical factors. It begins by identifying the seven issues that the study focused on: (1) what makes a person feel welcome and comfortable in a public…

To gauge their feelings about the first five years under the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA), school library media specialists were asked how professional roles and programs had changed, how library media programs supported specific KERA strands, and how continuing education or professional development activities had been helpful. Includes…

Compares a digital reference service that uses instant messaging with traditional, face-to-face reference based on experiences at the Southern Illinois University library. Addresses differences in reference questions asked, changes in the reference transaction, student expectations, bibliographic instruction, and librarian attitudes and procedures…

Discusses the issues involved with setting the tone for a library instruction session and emphasizes the importance of the first five minutes of the class. Topics include adequate planning; making contact with students; student attitudes and library anxiety; librarians' anxiety; and setting the tone for lifelong learning. (Author/LRW)

Discusses results of a study that produced a preliminary sense of reference librarians' experiences in adapting reference practice to the digital environment, and described their own views about digital reference. Considers reference interviews, digital reference service quality and standards, and types of questions best suited to digital…

Discusses the "hidden" ideology in traditional bibliographic instruction's treatment of intellectual property rights and copyright laws, and suggests that protection of these rights constitutes a form of stealing thoughts and ideas that should belong to the public. Reactions from two librarians who defend the current bibliographic…

Reports on a study of 101 Canadian librarians that tested individual differences important to enhanced use of the Internet. Analysis of covariance, hierarchical regression, and structural equation modeling provided evidence that technical and procedural knowledge had a significant influence on attitudes toward the Internet and the frequency of…

By examining 87 futuristic articles published between 1919 and 1961 in American library or related journals, and 6 professional monographs within the same time span, the accuracy of forecasting library futures is assessed. The effects of war, the economy, and technology on librarians' ideas of the future are discussed, and trends in predictions…

Discusses administration, leadership, and management in academic libraries. Factors that meet the work-related needs of librarians and that lead to successful management are suggested, including sufficient knowledge, a measure of control over work, participation in decision making, and a sense of ownership in library service. (three references)…

Outlines the arguments of the author's 1992 book, "Librarianship: The Erosion of a Woman's Profession," which explores the changes underway in librarianship. The importance of acknowledging the abilities of professional librarians, recommitting to direct service with clients, and advocating for the public's right to information are stressed. (EAM)

Examines moral, legal, and professional arguments for the protection of a library patron's privacy; gives examples of confidentiality challenges; and concludes that librarians should lobby for legal recognition of librarian/patron privilege of confidentiality. Computer technology and privacy are discussed, and the American Library Association…

Discussion of the adoption of new technologies in libraries throughout history focuses on two innovations in particular: the card catalog and the typewriter. Topics discussed include the replacement of one technology by another; budget considerations; requirements and attitudes of the labor force; reactions of library users; and attitudes of…

Reports the results of a survey of librarians in Western Australia that examined whether librarians feel it is important to keep up with new developments in technology, the means used by librarians to find out about new developments, and the effectiveness of those means. The questionnaire used is appended. (Nine references) (CLB)