Briefly discusses six issues related to the use of CD-ROM in libraries and provides sources of information on each issue. The issues discussed are pricing and costs; user preferences for CD-ROM; networking as a means of meeting high demand for CD-ROM; media options; strategic planning to meet demands; and bibliographic instruction. (10 references)…

Describes computer networks that support scholarly research and explains the idea of a colibratory, i.e., a collaborative, distributed, experimental scholarly information network that is analogous to a traditional library. Information resources that could be available are discussed, technological considerations in networking are described, and…

Offers a new approach to evaluating reference librarians, as well as a new standard of evaluation based on a study of exemplary reference librarians that was conducted via electronic networks. Characteristics of exemplary reference librarians relating to attitude, professional skills, and interpersonal skills are described. (Contains 28…

Discusses the availability of computer conferences on the Internet and their practical benefits to librarians, including problem solving, sharing employment information, conducting surveys, discussing new products and services, and announcing conferences and meetings. (two references) (EA)

Discusses networked information resources used by reference librarians in research libraries. Highlights include the NREN (National Research and Education Network); the Internet; network architecture; the national information infrastructure; the effect of electronic information on reference desk transactions; the changing nature of research; the…

Guest columnist Paul D. Healey discusses World Wide Web as an Internet reference tool for librarians in adult reference services. Discussion highlights include an examination of Web uses in retrieving hypertext documents, a review of Web uses in law libraries, an analysis of quality control problems, and challenges faced by users. (JMV)

Explores the legal ramifications of malpractice among librarians and the possible impact on services due to fear of being sued. Topics include identification of potential malpractice areas; cooperative electronic reference services; use of reference standards; insurance; contract; disclaimer; updating library collections; using Internet resources;…

Describes a project conducted at the University of Texas libraries that tested the feasibility of providing reference assistance by means of direct intervention by trained reference librarians to remote users of networked CD-ROM workstations. The use of federal depository CD-ROM databases is discussed. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

Discusses the development of practical strategies for library mediation between Internet resources and potential users. Topics addressed include a hierarchy of information skills; awareness of information services and resources; the information structure of a discipline; analysis of information needs; and retrieval, evaluation, and management of…

Argues that library skills and methods used for organization of information are needed to organize Internet information resources. Four aspects of information organization are discussed: recording existence and identity of information bearing entities; acquiring these entities; providing name, title, subject, and other access information; and…

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"…

Discusses the concept of electronic workstations and describes four different types: (1) the academic workstation; (2) the reference workstation (i.e., for end users); (3) the information specialist workstation; and (4) the workstation for management information. The creation of a new integrated information center (ICC) is also described. (11…

Describes the strategic plan developed for reference services offered by OCLC Online Computer Library Center to provide easier access to, and use of, information and knowledge. Topics addressed include the environment of libraries and publishers, including budgets, networks, and pricing, and future plans, including an emphasis on online products.…

Six articles cover topics related to the impact of the Internet on reference services, including Internet's effect on communication between reference librarians; integrating the use of electronic resources with traditional reference duties; reference services and the virtual library; offering remote services; Internet instruction; and Internet…

Twelve articles describe the impact of library technologies on reference services. Staff training, the academic librarian as teacher and information provider, decision-making models for planning reference services, patron database access options, management of reference services, systemwide electronic access, and the electronic library are among…