Describes a peer coaching program implemented at Temple University's Reference and Information Services Department to provide staff with support in fine-tuning and maintaining certain reference desk skills. The discussion covers the origins of the program, coaching basics, and the applicability of peer coaching to the academic library setting. (12…

Explores ways in which senior academic librarians contribute to the long-term educational, professional, collegial, and career development of entry-level reference librarians. Literature on reference training is reviewed; and four roles of senior librarians are described, including teacher, advisor, interpersonal role model, and mentor. (Contains…

Discusses how to improve library reference service, especially the effective delivery of accurate answers, based on a program at Wichita State University (Kansas) that used concepts of quality from business and organizational management. Topics addressed include customers and customer service, and methods of reference service evaluation. (Contains…

Examines problems of librarians responsible for both collection development and reference services, including time demands, unclear supervisory lines, and misunderstanding of collection development. The discussion includes suggestions for improving this situation, e.g., formal reporting lines for both areas, increased communication among…

Describes how the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, implemented information and library services to its primarily rural distance education students using information brokering and document delivery via the university's computer network, voice mail, and telefacsimile. The positive student response in light of the special needs of Alaskan Native…

Describes how a librarian, assisted by a knowledge engineer, developed a computerized reference assistance system for a separate government documents department. Rationale for the expert system, problems in selecting reference materials and user questions to computerize, and the formulation of a workable human/computer interface are covered. A…

Discusses the incorporation of CD-ROM technology into Georgia State University's William Russell Pullen Library, and considers its impact on reference services and bibliographic instruction. Concludes that technology increases the need for critical thinking skills, faculty-librarian interaction, and human resources for reference and technical…