Whether a library's reference collection is large or small, it needs constant attention. Singer's book offers information and insight on best practices for reference collection management, no matter the size, and shows why managing without a plan is a recipe for clutter and confusion. In this very practical guide, reference librarians will learn:…

There's no shortage of library management books out there--but how many of them actually tackle the little details of day-to-day management, the hard-to-categorize things that slip through the cracks of a larger handbook? "Library Management Tips that Work" does exactly that, addressing dozens of such issues facing library managers, including: (1)…

Describes resources available to librarians that provide references to government publications, presents sample reference questions and answers, and discusses the use of shared printed and human resources to aid in access to government information. (CLB)

Describes how to use the Internet to access commercial online database services, such as DIALOG, and discusses the advantages in terms of costs, reference services, and accessibility. Outlines in detail how to save a search session or link another terminal to a Telnet session, and provides information and Internet addresses for eight vendor…

Discusses the use of the OCLC Authority File for answering reference questions. Contents of the authority file are described, including personal, corporate, conference, and geographic names, uniform titles, and subject headings; accessing the authority file is explained; searching strategies are discussed; and examples of authority records are…

Suggests strategies for managing archives with only part-time personnel or volunteers. The article explains how to: (1) define the official scope and responsibilities of the archives with records policy and authority structures; (2) manage the collection; (3) appraise materials; (4) arrange and describe materials; (5) provide reference and access…

Considers how to plan for online reference services. Highlights include local access to databases, including CD-ROM and database licensing; local gateways; online search services; and planning considerations, including cost, locating online information, telecommunications and computing infrastructures, and equal access. (Contains 15 references.)…

Though the payoffs are significant for reference librarians, readers' advisors, and library users, adding and maintaining subject access for works of imagination--fiction, poetry, and drama, for example--can mean a lot of work for the cataloging department. This new and updated edition is designed to help catalogers and others in the library to:…

Customer service is a vital part of library service. The reference interview remains a key element in assisting library patrons with information needs. This book shows librarians how to combine creativity with professional expertise in reference interviews, to provide quality customer service and satisfy patrons. The book is divided into 11…

This book examines technical, social, and management issues related to librarians and cyberspace. The following chapters and articles are included: (1) "The Cybrarian's Tool Kit," including "Internet News and Website Reviews" (M. Sylvia), "Searching the Future" (J. Powell), "Netiquette, Hoaxes, and Scams! Oh…

Discusses the use of the Internet for ready reference and considers limitations, reference policy, and cost issues. Highlights include general reference sources; database searching on the Internet; Gopher; bibliographic control and access to Internet resources; personnel issues; and levels of service. (Contains 30 references.) (LRW)

This set of collection development guidelines is the response of an academic library to the question of when and where it is most advantageous to provide access to information through resource sharing in lieu of ownership. A Collection Development Committee, appointed by the dean of the university and guided by a self-study format provided by the…

Three articles on evaluation cover the use of the Internet as a reference resource and raise network policy issues: "The Internet as a Reference and Research Tool" (Edmund F. Santa Vicca); "NREN Update, 1993: Washington Policy" (Carolyn S. Elliot); and "Evaluating Physical Science Reference Sources on the Internet"…

One impact of the World Wide Web has been to level the playing field to a certain extent for publishing information by putting authoring and displaying tools in the hands of anyone who wants to use them. The University of California at San Diego (UCSD) Science & Engineering Library has taken advantage of the web's instructional possibilities…

Describes the Braille/Large Print Reference Project developed in Illinois to provide visually impaired patrons with information transcribed into either Braille or large print. Topics discussed include equipment needs; staff training; user response; and problems. Examples of publicity and guidelines are included. (LRW)