The role of the library technician and the appropriate training requirements for this position are discussed. (RAO)

The functions of, and materials in, the Playboy library are described. (SM)

Low cost and high capacity microcomputers now have the potential for improvement of library services at various levels. They seem well adapted for text-processing, preparation of local bibliographies and resource guides, and improvement of online database searching. (Author/RAA)

The Alberta Government Libraries' Council Job Specifications Committee presents an all-inclusive checklist of tasks which might be performed in a special library. Designed as a tool to aid in the development of job descriptions in a library setting, it is organized into three categories: library management, technical services, and public services.…

Poses four issues concerning library catalogs and cataloging and presents suggestions toward resolution of these problems. Cost considerations, cataloging system design, the catalog's role in shaping service users receive and those they are encouraged to seek, and contradictory requirements of the catalog are highlighted. (EJS)

Discusses the importance of cataloging to library service and addresses some of the debilitating effects that downsizing or elimination of cataloging departments, combined with outsourcing, and the consequent decline in bibliographic integrity, have on library service. Includes a sidebar on outsourcing. (JKP)

Traces the development of cooperation between reference librarians and catalogers, highlighting cooperative goals, role of the library catalog in meeting informational requirements of patrons, involvement of catalog librarians in library instruction, and patterns of library organization. Future trends are discussed. Twenty sources are given. (EJS)

Describes introduction of books on tape at Oskaloosa (Iowa) Public Library, highlighting determination of audience and use, display of recorded books, packaging of tapes, cataloging, and quality of tapes. A list of 19 production companies and six distributors noting address, telephone number, type of cassettes, and price range is included. (EJS)

Describes the DOBIS/LIBIS system and its capabilities for automated management of individual libraries and library networks. DOBIS/LIBIS is an integrated, interactive system that includes the major library functions of searching, cataloging, circulation, and acquisitions processing for a network of libraries. (Author/RAA)

Provides an overview of Canadian public library services to ethnic groups, including historical background, programs of the Toronto Public Library, the Multilingual Biblioservice (MBS) of the National Library of Canada, local holdings, and local acquisition programs. Fifteen references are cited. (FM)

Describes the latest developments in automated circulation systems and the turnkey system in particular. Trends include greater functional integration, improved user interfaces, and shared facilities. The role of bibliographic utilities is briefly explored. (Author/RAA)

Presents data gathered in the seventh edition of the "Directory of Library Reprographic Services (1978)" in terms of the kinds of institutions listed and the types of reprographic services offered, and reviews some issues of administrative involvement in these services raised by other studies. (Author/FM)

The history of the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) of the American Library Association is traced from the creation of the individual adult and reference service divisions through the merger that formed RASD. Focuses on the origin, structure, and activities of the division and on the individuals responsible for the development of RASD.…

Reports on an evaluation of Midland College's Health Sciences Library as a separate collection with a different classification system, with special focus on the effects of the organizational structure on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of technical processing. Concludes that the separate library is a viable, cost-effective alternative. (DMM)

Considers the concept of library reference management and traditional reference functions in terms of aggrandizement, highlighting staff evaluation, bibliographic instruction, online searching, interlibrary loan, and the vertical file. Three references are listed. (EJS)