Discusses the value of the practicum in learning reference interview techniques. Methods for offering such field experience and programs in several library schools are described, with emphasis on the practicum experience at the University of Alberta. A possible reference practicum program is outlined. (16 references) (Author/MES)

The literature of reference service emphasizes service at the reference desk and overlooks other activities of reference librarians. Self-evaluation studies would enable reference librarians to identify what they do and assign a time and value to each task. Such studies should be the first step in planning and structuring a reference department.…

Considers the five parts in education for reference work: (1) the formal sequence of courses leading to a Master's degree in library science; (2) on-the-job training; (3) continuing education; (4) evaluation; and (5) the acquisition of substantive, multi-disciplinary knowledge. (three references) (MES)

Describes the development of a multitype library network in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, that includes public, academic, and system libraries. Suggestions for organizing a similar network include both the identification of common needs and activities and projects for participating libraries. The benefits of forming a cooperative group are also…

This study explored the relationship between expanded information and referral (I&R) services and traditional reference services in public libraries in North Carolina. Results show librarians feel I&R services should be limited to those closely related to traditional reference services. Other I&R services typically provided by social…

Describes the function of and services offered by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the Library of Congress, which is charged with meeting the research and information needs of the U.S. Congress. The interaction of research analysts and librarians within the service is discussed. (CLB)

Examines range of coverage and principles of inclusion of dissertations in PsycINFO by comparing searches done on PsycINFO and Dissertation Abstracts Online. Searchers are advised to be skeptical about the accuracy and completeness of vendor documentation and the practical journal literature. Search strategies used are appended. (eight references)…

Describes the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Gateway Information System, which provides communications capabilities and access to online databases for DoD microcomputer end-users. Functions, structure, development, and artificial intelligence applications of the system are discussed. (11 references) (MES)

Describes Usenet, an Internet service that provides access to computerized discussion groups, and examines how it can be used as a reference tool. Topics include subject groups, appropriate questions, exhausting local resources before posting, explaining Usenet to patrons, sending the question, and evaluating the answer. (AEF)

Issues involved in integrating new methods of bibliographic and physical access with old ones to create a unified system of periodical article access and identification are identified. Desirable characteristics of a system, a possible model, and suggestions for further research are presented. (Author/JKP)

Describes the collections, roles, and services of the Reference Section of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress. Publications available from the series "Reference Circular" and "Reference Bibliography" are described, and it is suggested that they be used by librarians…

Discusses uncertainty measurement in reference queries and proposes an optimal questioning strategy (OQS) to reduce uncertainty and to measure the amount of information contained in reference queries. Information exchange between librarians and patrons is discussed, distinctions between vagueness and ambiguity are explained, and an example using…

Describes how the Orange County (Florida) Library System separated walk-in and phone-in reference services. Discusses telephone reference services, the Quest Line database, staffing and resources, results, and keys to success. Includes the Quest Line work flow chart. (PEN)

Examines the design characteristics of ready-reference and email reference pages on the Web sites of 110 academic libraries in the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Characteristics examined included the wording of page titles and links, organization schemes, timeliness, and additional means of communication available between patron and…

Discusses the availability and quality of commercial reference services available on the World Wide Web such as Ask Jeeves and the decline in library reference service statistics. Describes a project in California to help libraries develop live, real-time reference services over the Web by adapting Web contact center software. (LRW)