Discusses values that have shaped and guided the profession of reference librarian and portrays the rigors of working at a general reference desk. Topics include information overload; demands of the information age; societal trends; new technologies; training; and role reconsideration for the librarian, including teacher, information provider, and…

Traces the development of reference service in American libraries during the second half of the nineteenth century and examines the evolution of reference service in the Providence Public Library. The article focuses on how the distinctive features of reference service were conceived and merged into the current concept of reference service. (43…

Discussion of the role of library resources in the formulation of theatrical performance features the dramaturg, the professional researcher on a theater's staff. Topics include an empirical approach to performance; how theater artists use libraries; the dramaturg as model; researching the text; dramaturgical case studies; and relationships…

While revised ethical codes provide helpful guidelines, reference archivists face many ethical questions raised by rapidly evolving technology, changing expectations, and inconsistent privacy laws that have no clear answers. Discusses issues related to reference searching, codification of ethics, cultural property and the responsibility of…

Discussion of humanities research focuses on the humanist patron as author of the text. Highlights include the research process; style of expression; interpretation; multivocality; reflexivity; social validation; repatriation; the image of the library for the author; patterns of searching behavior; and reference librarian responses. (37…

Outlines the current socioeconomic conditions within the United States and explores the effect of these trends on libraries and information services. The resulting obstruction of information mediation is discussed, and recommendations for professionals seeking to maintain their role as information mediators are offered. (58 references) (LRW)

Discussion of library reference services and the conflict between richness (complexity) of services and the reach (number of users that can be served) focuses on information technology that is used in electronic commerce and available on the Internet. Discusses changing roles of libraries and networked information environments. (Author/LRW)

Presents ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) guidelines for library instruction and services for distance education. Highlights include the lack of service issues addressed in digital library discussions; distance students' characteristics; the library's role; and remote service to distance users. (Author/LRW)

Describes the Term Paper Clinic (TPC), a project in which students in a library reference class at the University of British Columbia offered reference assistance to other students. Appendixes include approaches and sources for the TPC search; instructions for the TPC search; a student library research guide; a report on user evaluations; and the…

Identifies several areas of the library profession that will need to adapt to changing expectations in the future. Discusses librarian stereotypes; role redefinition in light of changing technology and electronic resources; greater diversity of user needs; technology literacy; generational issues, including retirement rates; and diversity and…

Considers future possibilities and needs in libraries, including fewer acquisitions due to rising costs; the demise of older materials; the influence of the nature of access on the direction of scholarly inquiry, i.e., the influence of technology; using electronic resources appropriately; and questioning established routines. (LRW)

Discusses the role of academic librarians as mediators between the scholar and the information system. Censorship through academic peer review is described; censorship and suppression that takes place during academic controversy is addressed; and examples of suppression and censorship, including the correction of errors and conflicts of interest,…

Reviews societal and general library trends and their effect on roles of library reference staff. Topics include demographic changes; economic trends; technological developments; shifting paradigms; contextual perceptions; technological competence; human dimensions, including the librarian's role as intermediary; and creativity and innovation.…

Discussion of historians as library users divides the historians into four categories: professional historians, student historians, amateur historians, and family historians. Highlights include examples of problems with library services, including misleading library catalogs and inadequate reference service; the reference librarian as guide to…

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…