These five reports discuss electronic books; the Internet speed and digital reference; Internet publishing from the perspectives of libraries, publishers, authors, and scholars; a cross-cultural comparison of intellectual freedom in the United States and Canada; dissemination of government information; and the implications of technology for…

Describes the history of consortia and cooperative efforts among libraries and their role in distance learning in higher education. Discusses shared online catalogs; purchases of electronic resources; supporting distance learners' information needs, including virtual reference; staff training; change management; cooperative planning; vendor…

Homeschooling is a fast-growing alternative to public education, and libraries must address its information needs. A resource list of 43 publications and addresses of organizations which support homeschooling is provided. (AEF)

Describes the Library Reference Assistant Program at the State University of New York College at Oswego that was developed to recruit and instruct students of color and nontraditional students in assisting librarians at the reference desk. Topics discussed include financial support; collaboration; costs; and training and evaluation. (Contains…

Examines possible barriers to adequate reference services to children and young adults. Topics discussed include the effects of budget pressures and shifting priorities in public and academic libraries; equity in access to information; reference policies; communication between children and adult services staff and administration; multiple service…

Describes the development of a term paper resource center in public libraries that supports school assignments. A cooperative effort between the public library and school library is discussed, a topic file with appropriate resources listed is described, instructions for writing outlines and bibliographies are suggested, and provision of software…

Discusses previous job satisfaction research and reports a study of job satisfaction among Ohio academic library support staff using Paul E. Spector's Job Satisfaction Survey. The 434 responses indicate general satisfaction, with greater satisfaction among females, among those who work in public services, have less experience, or who work…

Describes a HyperCard program developed at the University of Denver library to provide computer-assisted reference service for business information as well as instructions for using the online catalog and a database of journal articles. Examples of menu screens are included, and usage of the program is examined. (five references) (LRW)

Five articles describe specific Internet resources, including geoscience and science databases; economic and statistical information; the JANET (Joint Academic Network) Bulletin Board for Librarians; and White House communications. A sixth article describes how practical applications of Internet information create new roles for reference…

Discusses the results of a survey of school librarians in North Carolina conducted to determine the extent of CD-ROM and videodisk use and how they are changing the teaching of library, information, and research skills. CD-ROM and videodisk titles are listed, and recommendations for further study are suggested. The questionnaire is appended.…

Describes LM-NET, a listserv discussion group designed primarily for school library media specialists. The listserv's background, growth, uses, users, and future developments are covered. Special features include instructions for accessing past discussions. Sidebars present sample LM-NET messages and subscription and retrieval information. (KRN)

Examines the effects of CD-ROM on academic library reference work. Topics discussed include the impact on job duties of the reference librarian; impact on users; system drawbacks; location of equipment; search strategies of users versus librarians; budgetary concerns; and future ramifications, including networking and electronic publishing. (10…

Provides an overview of the American Library Association (ALA) 1991 midwinter conference. Highlights include federal legislation, the organization of library support staff, fees for library services, library collection preservation policies, electronic access, access policy guidelines for academic libraries, reference staffing for electronic…

Describes institutes developed at Rutgers University to introduce practicing librarians to the information search process from the user's perspective. Highlights included library search sessions followed by small and large group discussions, presentations on the theoretical foundations of the search process, and developing plans for libraries'…

Discusses the Wright State University (Ohio) Library policy directive on customer service, and suggests this document as a model to follow in setting up service standards or guidelines for depository-library services. Draft-depository library public-service guidelines for government information in electronic format are appended. (JAK)