Summarizes remarks of the presidents of DIALOG, Mead Data Central, and BRS on the expansion of several European databanks into the American market. Comments focus on the competitiveness of the marketplace, the provision of international information by American systems, the expectations and prospects of the European companies, and American plans.…

The purpose of this document is to highlight some of the difficulties associated with retrieving information on Iran using Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and several other commonly used reference tools based on LCSH. Four subject areas concerning Iran are identified, and their treatment in LCSH and periodical indexes is analyzed. The…

Discusses problems of depository libraries such as volume of publications received, understaffing, subject and author/title access, currency of material, financing, and lack of theory and research. An "ideal" access system and an action program for its implementation are described. Four references are listed. (CHC)

Discusses the value of the practicum in learning reference interview techniques. Methods for offering such field experience and programs in several library schools are described, with emphasis on the practicum experience at the University of Alberta. A possible reference practicum program is outlined. (16 references) (Author/MES)

Identifies deficiencies in reference services offered by archives and examines factors preventing effective use of archival resources, including changing clientele, organization of collections based on the principle of provenance, and the uniqueness of archival collections. Suggestions for improving public service, including user studies and…

Discusses the complex role of government documents on microform in library reference services using an examination of recent Ghanaian news broadcasts as an illustration. (14 references) (MES)

A clerk in the procedural service of Canada's House of Commons describes functions of the service, his duties in the procedure and reference section, and the applicability of his training in library science to these duties. Library school students are advised to look for wider applications of their skills. (CLB)

Discussion of growth trends involving use of new technology in the library (mainly computers and their devices) outlines recent advances in Canada, discusses current activities, and presents views of library functions 10 years from now. Issues and questions are presented and their impact on the library profession is discussed. (EJS)

Reviews the Guidelines for the Education of Library Technicians approved by the Canadian Library Association Council in November 1981. The background and formulation of the guidelines, the functions addressed by the guidelines, the role of the library technician in the library environment, and career advancement for library technicians are…

Discusses the British Library's role, identity, and expectations, and comments on successes, charges, and copyright problems of the Lending Division, the current image of the Reference Division, controversial areas within the Bibliographic Services Division, and criticism of library research associated with the Research and Development Department.…

This seminar addressed various aspects of the provision of library and other services to external students. Resolutions carried at the end of the seminar are noted, and the full text is provided for the opening address, which summarizes the activities of the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission Standing Committee on External Studies, and the…

Discusses with respect to the British Library the application of new technology, advisory committee problems, the value of the Lending Division and its potential problems, improvement of the Reference Division services, complaints concerning the Bibliographic Services Division, and objections regarding the Research and Development Department. (RBF)

Describes an investigation that assessed the effectiveness of Australian indexing and abstracting services in their bibliographic control of the literature of library and information science. Conclusions about the coverage of the literature are presented, and methods for improvement are suggested. (CLB)

Traces the development of the British Library since its founding in 1973 and discusses problems and achievements in the library as a whole and in the Reference Division, the Lending Division, the Bibliographic Services Division, and the Research and Development Department. Listed are 73 references. (RBF)

Reports the results of a survey that examined the role of small university libraries in Canadian communities. The discussion covers services currently available to communities, areas in which services could be improved or extended, and the benefits to be gained by both the library and the community. (19 references) (Author/CLB)