Describes the Tacoma Public Library's experience with "BIP Plus," the CD-ROM version of Books in Print. Memory requirements, search capabilities, automatic ordering, and the library staff's response are discussed. Keyword searching is explained as the system's most used feature, and price the area of most serious concern. (EM)

Describes the following aspects of an information session held by the reference staff at Northwestern University to explain the nature of their work to their technical services counterparts: (1) motivation for the session; (2) goals; (3) format; (4) reference service issues; (5) reaction; (6) elements of success of the session; and (7) future…

The history of the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) of the American Library Association is traced from the creation of the individual adult and reference service divisions through the merger that formed RASD. Focuses on the origin, structure, and activities of the division and on the individuals responsible for the development of RASD.…

Discussion of the organization of the University of British Columbia Data Library jointly operated by the University Library and Computing Center covers historical development, collections policy, composition of the collection, technical services, user services, and current issues. Six references are cited. (EJS)

This paper describes the foreign and home literature collection on scientific research, natural sciences and technology, conference papers, and professional monographs; reference aids and catalogs; library reading facilities; and national and international library services of the National Public Library for Sciences and Technology (NPLST) in the…

This discussion of America's outstanding rare book libraries notes the inception of collections, library facilities, technical difficulties, reference services, publicity efforts, and research. The John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, Clark Library of the University of California, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.…

Discusses CD-ROM with an emphasis on aspects that librarians need to know. The topics covered include the technology; installations and cost; advantages and disadvantages for libraries; products of interest to librarians; and selection issues. Other optical storage media are described and sources for further information are provided. (37…

The 15 papers in this collection discuss various aspects of computer use in libraries and several other aspects of library service not directly related to computers. Following an introduction and a list of officers, the papers are: (1) "Criminal Justice and Related Databases" (Kate E. Adams); (2) "Software and Hard Thought:…

Outline of the operation and services of the Data Library in the University of Florida Libraries includes a brief history, administration of the library system, development of collection of machine-readable data files, data users, technical services, reference services, funding, and staff recruitment, training, and development. Four references are…

Provides an interview with K. Wayne Smith, chief executive officer of OCLC, that focuses on OCLC's online reference services. Topics include the ratio between technical and online reference services, how OCLC fits into the online industry, telecommunications, electronic publishing, pricing, database tape leases, and CD-ROM. (EAM)

Presented by a library science student at the University of California at Berkeley, this description of Moffitt Undergraduate Library includes financing and budget, the building (physical description), book collection, staff, library technical operations, and user services. The report begins with a framework for the idea of an undergraduate…

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…

Provides a general overview of library automation and a number of suggestions to assist in making decisions about automation in small academic libraries. Three areas of automation are discussed--reference service, circulation, and technical processes--with emphasis on the planning process, implementation, and evaluation. (CLB)

Reviews the use of artificial intelligence research techniques to create tools that can assist with ongoing library functions and with information skills both within and outside of the library setting. Major areas discussed include cataloging, indexing, database searching, reference services, knowledge acquisition and representation, user…

Discusses implementation of the automated recording of reshelving statistics for print reference materials and the use of these statistics in reference-collection development and management, especially in making acquisitions and weeding decisions, based on experiences at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. (Author/LRW)