Describes four elements of consulting in library networks: network client groups, potential sources of consultants, categories of network consulting, and difficulties in network-related consulting. (FM)

This essay argues that the reference librarian is an intellectual, peculiarly equipped to have technology work for the librarian rather than the librarian for technology. It is a conviction that all people, not just a celebrated few, must be served by reference librarians. Twenty-one references are included. (Author/EJS)

Defines and explores the functions of institutional, clinical, and developmental bibliotherapy in library service programs as responses to the interest in self-analysis and self-actualization characteristic of the 1970s. Training and certification of bibliotherapy practitioners are also discussed. (FM)

Outlines costs and benefits to the user of the library as an information channel and notes the implications for library organization in terms of pricing and multiple services. (MBR)

Addresses key issues that must be considered as a library begins to create a Friends group, from the group's basic purpose to infrastructure issues such as staffing, programs, and other operating costs. Concludes that functions other than fund-raising should be included. (Author/LRW)

The first of two articles provides an introduction to this issue. The second article discusses the key issues in rare book librarianship over the past 50 years, including acquisition, care, handling, storage, preservation, cataloging, classifying, processing, circulation, security, and training. Both references and a 77-item bibliography are…

Discusses the effects of technology and networking on rural public library service in the future, and describes how these effects will improve the quality and accessibility of service to rural citizens. (FM)

Suggests that adaptation to new types of library services may require administrations to alter organizational structures and personnel management practices. A list of references is provided. (FM)

Sketches the history of video and cable communications use in libraries, current library activities in video collection and production, problems with some library video projects, trends in video services, and plans for future video uses within libraries. (FM)

This article offers a number of statistics and performance measures that libraries may find useful in determining the overall quality of their network-based services; identifies a number of service quality criteria; and provides a framework to assist librarians in selecting statistics and performance measures based on service quality criteria.…

This discussion of the development of library reference service standards and guidelines for service measurement highlights the work of the American Library Association (ALA) Committee on Standards, guidelines adopted by ALA's Reference and Adult Services Division, and efforts of state, public, and university libraries. Fourteen references are…

Examines national and state public library standards to discover the extent to which rural library services have been considered and to identify aspects of the standards that might be applicable to rural libraries. (Author/FM)

Economic considerations of user charges are presented along with economic principles and implications of charging for specific library materials and services. Alternative pricing policies and their implications are described, and, to illustrate the complexity and subtle effects of charging, a numerical example for interlibrary loans is also given.…

Reviews the evolution of library community service patterns in reference and adult services, recognizes the fluidity of community information needs in terms of library response, research, and technology, and discusses questions pertaining to service innovations. References are included. (FM)

Proposes that academic libraries become actively and directly involved in providing teaching, research, and community services. The development and implementation of such services is discussed. (FM)