Presents standards for reference services developed by the Suburban Library System (Illinois) and discusses the effects of the standards on youth services. Standards for a written reference plan, reference staff, reference sources, and evaluation are included. (11 references) (MES)

Reviews common law contract and tort bases for malpractice liability and their applicability to reference librarians, special librarians, and information brokers. The discussion covers the legal bases for professional malpractice liability, the librarian-patron relationship, the likelihood of lawsuits, and the need for personal liability…

Summarizes historical development of product liability laws which allow an injured party to seek to recover damages for personal injury or loss of property allegedly resulting from defective product and reviews activities of Triodyne Inc. in gathering evidence to be used in product liability lawsuits. Sixteen references are cited. (EJS)

This paper outlines the history and purpose of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which insures the right to access the voluminous files of U.S. government agencies, and explains FOIA implementation procedures for reference librarians assisting patrons. Recent attempts to amend the FOIA are discussed. Thirty-four references are cited. (EJS)

Includes three articles: the first presents rules and regulations from the "Federal Register" that focus on educational effectiveness in postsecondary institutions; the second discusses the appropriateness of various research methodologies for assessment and accountability of reference services; and the third examines data collection…

Chronicles the development of the legislative reference services of the Library of Congress and briefly describes the current Congressional Research Service, which resulted from legislative acts passed in 1946 and 1970. (CLB)

Discussion of barriers that prevent open and free access to government information highlights federal policies toward reduced data collection for and dissemination of agency studies and privatization of these functions; the use of microforms and computer technologies as media for government information; and the quality of depository library…

Discusses the acquisition, cataloging, and servicing of international, intergovernmental organization (IGO) materials and describes the collections and services of the Library of Congress and other Washington based agencies. The importance of IGO documentation in microform and the need for education on international documents are stressed. (CLB)

Describes the organizational structure of the research unit of the Parliamentary Library of Canada and lists a variety of services offered to Parliamentary members, committees, associations, and delegations. (CLB)

Outlines the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 in regard to libraries. Discusses the responsibilities libraries have in hiring disabled persons and providing services, accommodations, and telecommunications, and describes ADA compliance activities in Florida. (96 references/notes) (EA)