This reference procedures manual for the Northern Michigan University Library covers: (1) desk service, including handling inquiries, recording statistics, problems, responsibility of assistants, referrals, user assistance with the public access catalog, and reference collections; (2) photocopying; (3) database searching; (4) bibliographic…

A listing is presented of 17 documents in the ERIC database concerning the Online Catalog (sometimes referred to as OPAC or Online Public Access Catalog), a computer-based and supported library catalog designed for patron use. The database usually represents recent acquisitions and often contains information about books on order and items in…

Reports on interviews with two librarians, Winston Tabb and Susan Finsen, of the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress. (PF)

An explanation of the federal government's Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and how it relates to commercial business publications commonly used as tools by the reference librarian. (JAB)

This draft was prepared by the Reference and Adult Services Division of ALA, and covers the issues of accuracy of information, impartiality of presentation, confidentiality of interview, and financial gain in information service work. (JAB)

A brief rundown on the accomplishments of the copyright subcommittee, the Machine-Assisted Reference Section, the History Section, the publications committees, membership survey, and planning group. (JAB)

Fiscal austerity in libraries has forced some administrators to consider alternatives such as computerized reference services or non-professional staff at the reference desk for reducing the cost of professional reference service. (JAB)

A discussion of the reference desk as a piece of furniture, and how its design affects the reference process. (JAB)

The author presents the reference process as viewed by several published reference interview authorities. Emphasis is on personality and communication skills rather than technical expertise. (JAB)

The document entitled "A Commitment to Information Services," prepared over a period of two years by the Standards Committee of the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) of the American Library Association, and now formally adopted by the Division Executive Board, is a better disappointment. (Author)

Twenty multiple-choice questions test basic knowledge of the Chemical Abstracts Service online database. (6 references) (MES)

Twenty multiple-choice questions test for basic knowledge of the AGRICOLA database on the regular, non end-user systems. (5 references) (MES)

Summarizes remarks of the presidents of DIALOG, Mead Data Central, and BRS on the expansion of several European databanks into the American market. Comments focus on the competitiveness of the marketplace, the provision of international information by American systems, the expectations and prospects of the European companies, and American plans.…

Examines the new pricing policy adopted by the Chemical Abstracts Service, which is based on search term charges rather than connect time. Technical and business developments leading to this change are reviewed, and reactions of several experts in the online field are included. (MES)