Reports on a study of the information-seeking behavior of users of Infotrac, OCLC, Newsbank Electronic Index, and LS/2 at the Bowling Green State University Libraries. Data gathered via interviews are discussed as they pertain to the user's profile; understanding of systems functions; effects on information-seeking behavior; and appropriateness of…

Examines history of online information retrieval services in North American in general and in Canada specifically. The current situation is assessed on the basis of results of a recent national survey and the issue of charging for these services is discussed. Twelve references are cited. (EJS)

This two-part publication reports on a study of consumer information delivery by library and non-library networks, which involved an extensive literature review, a telephone survey of 620 library networks, the development of an assessment model for the effectiveness of network information delivery, the development of an in-depth guide for…

Questionnaires were sent to 116 newly appointed reference librarians at academic institutions regarding the extent, content, and evaluation of their introductory training for their new positions. The majority of respondents indicated lack of overall planning and content depth in their training. (Author/EM)

A survey of over 200 academic, public, and special libraries in 13 selected states was conducted in the fall of 1979 to provide a state of the art report on online or computerized reference services. Libraries were selected from states which had demonstrated leadership in networking, and data were sought in four areas: (1) users of online…

In May 1981 the American Library Association (ALA) conducted a survey to determine how online search services are financed in publicly-supported libraries and in libraries in nonprofit organizations. The survey questionnaire was prepared by the ALA Office for Research (OFR), and three vendors of online services--BRS, Lockheed, and SDC--mailed the…

Presents results of survey based on sample of 500 U.S. academic libraries which was conducted during spring and summer of 1984 to gather descriptive data on current status of online searching and to predict future trends. Four broad categories are covered: availability; search service characteristics; evaluation; future trends. (31 references)…

This study investigated the usefulness of end user systems to library and information science students. Seventeen volunteers were offered free searching on BRS/After Dark and DIALOG's Knowledge Index. The search itself, postsearch questionnaire, and completed research papers were analyzed for databases used, cost and time online, and precision.…

Includes four articles that discuss the evaluation of library reference services. Topics addressed include unobtrusive testing; measuring the accountability of reference librarians by behavioral rather than factual evaluation; on-the-job training of reference librarians; and faculty expectations of academic reference librarians. (52 references)…

Discussion of reference service in a changing information environment focuses on a survey of basic reference courses in American Library Association (ALA) accredited programs that was conducted to investigate how library school students are being educated for reference service. Highlights include course content; teaching methods; learning…

Reports findings of a Statistics Task Force investigation at New York University's Bobst Library, which reviewed the collection and publication of statistics and data related to library reference and information services and use of resources, and developed a framework for inclusions, definitions, procedures, and policies for data collection and…

Describes preliminary results of a study that examined the effect of individual differences on the use of CD-ROM databases by novice undergraduate users. Factors considered include age, sex, native language, major, computer literacy, computer affinity, personality traits, learning style, visual ability, and perceived usefulness of the system. A…