Reports on in-house use of online services at the Maine State Library for searches not specifically requested by client or initiated by staff member to advance job flow. Use of TALIMAINE service for interlibrary loan verification, document delivery, book selection, and staff development, and client breakdown for 1983-1984 are described. (EJS)

The purpose of this policy is to outline those principles that guide the development of the Reference Collection at the Calvin T. Ryan Library, University of Nebraska at Kearney. It clarifies, records, and makes public the basic principles that the members of the Reference Department believe should be applied in adding items to or withdrawing…

Discusses the use of electronic mail for reference services and investigates systems in health sciences libraries and in academic libraries. The use of electronic mail for services including interlibrary loan, online search requests, literature searches, photocopies or other document delivery, reference questions, and purchase requests is…

Presents questions for evaluating a media center's reference section, focused on types of resources; reference-material evaluation criteria and items that belong in or are misplaced in the reference section; relocating materials and ensuring use of newly classified materials; and how to collect data on usage of resources. (AEF)

Describes the historical and present roles of the prison library, as well as the nature of the prison librarian position. Identifies and analyzes the obstacles confronting a prison librarian when selecting academic materials and making those materials accessible to prisoners. (AEF)

This annotated bibliography focuses on resources for the study of international elections and electoral systems and outcomes that will be useful for collection development and for answering reference questions about foreign elections. Discusses comparative politics, comparative elections, and possible electoral reform. (LRW)

Discusses the use of CD-ROMs in library processing and public services units. Topics discussed include local area networks, workstations, network security, search software, disk operating systems (DOS), computer viruses, CD-ROM selection and acquisition, licensing, and standards. A sidebar lists current CD-ROM products appropriate for reference…

Describes the development, operation, and services of a special unit at the Chicago Public Library that provides reference and research services to professional librarians. Specific reference materials, online databases, and current awareness services are covered. The selection and acquisition of library materials is discussed in some detail. (21…

Relates the whole-language concept to the reference process in the school library media center and presents a model of a whole-language librarian. Highlights include selection as part of the inquiry process; books as the basis for discussion; and the media center as a model of democratic community. (Contains 27 references.) (LRW)

Eight articles serve as an introduction to the growing presence of technology in libraries. Topics covered include going online with microcomputers, a selection guide to database management software, sensible groundrules for circulating software, selection of software for microcomputer centers, and setting standards for microcomputers in…

Special supplement to "Library Journal" and "School Library Journal" covers topics of interest to school, public, academic, and special libraries planning for automation: microcomputer use, readings in automation, online searching, databases of microcomputer software, public access to microcomputers, circulation, creating a…

Homeschooling is a fast-growing alternative to public education, and libraries must address its information needs. A resource list of 43 publications and addresses of organizations which support homeschooling is provided. (AEF)

This course text outlines the objectives and content for a professional continuing education course on consumer health information (CHI) services. Topics covered include: (1) trends in medical consumerism and self-health care; (2) health information needs of consumers; (3) the role of the library in CHI, including legal ramifications; (4)…

Discusses selecting for a reference collection, creative budgeting, cutting a deal, collection awareness (strengths/needs), Web site reviews, R-Net (reviews from diverse areas and institutions), and print vs. electronic reference products. Reference librarian adhere to high standards for reference book and Web sites, teach assessment techniques,…