This paper presents a discussion of what reference librarians require with regard to the bibliographic control of networked resources, based on 200 responses to a survey of U.S. reference providers and on comments made at an open meeting on this topic sponsored by the Library of Congress at the July 2000 American Library Association Annual…

This paper discusses one person's experience with the library and research services of the Australian Federal Parliament. The first section describes the multiple functions and roles of politicians, as well as their various information needs, e.g., the need for information on bills, for overseas travel, for writing speeches, and to develop special…

This paper discusses fee-based services in public libraries. The first section examines examples of charging for public library services in three countries: the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland; and New Zealand. The intention is to consider the circumstances in which charging was introduced, the public's response in terms of the effect on…

Outlines a study to develop methods to assess the quality of digital reference services, test and refine measures and quality standards to describe digital reference services, and to produce a guidebook that describes how to collect and report data for these measures and standards. (Author/AEF)

This paper describes the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries' experiences in developing distance education services as an example of how to meet the challenge of providing comprehensive, customized information and instructional support for both on- and off-campus learners. The first section provides historical background on distance…

As California Indians confront contemporary issues, their need for timely information is vital. The library at California State University (CSU), Fresno, serves students enrolled in Native American studies courses as well as members of the San Joaquin valley community. Information sources include both recorded information and the "invisible…

Libraries in distance education universities such as Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada, are faced with special difficulties when seeking ways to reach out to their students to expand their understanding of libraries as information sources and provide them with the skills to tap library and other information sources. However, developments in…

The explosion of information and the popularity of the Internet and commercial search engines have required librarians to take a fresh look at their profession. The overwhelming amount of information now available has brought new demands and expectations. The need to bring information to the remote user has encouraged the creation of many…

Twenty-three posters address topics including access to information; metadata; personal information management; scholarly information communication; online resources; content analysis; interfaces; Web queries; information evaluation; informatics; information needs; search effectiveness; digital libraries; diversity; automated indexing; e-commerce;…

Outlines considerations in the design of a Competitive Intelligence Information Resource Center (CIIRC), which is needed by business organizations for effective strategic decision making. Discussed are user needs, user participation, information sources, technology and interface design, operational characteristics, and planning for implementation.…

This paper discusses reference services in the digital library. The introduction provides definitions of a digital library, and the first section summarizes the purposes of a digital library system, as well as key roles for information professionals. The second section provides examples of mediated and unmediated digital reference. The third…

Librarians cannot distribute their collections electronically until the problems of intellectual property and free-and-equal access are resolved. Libraries must overcome restrictions of "virtual libraries" thereby making copyrighted texts freely available. Libraries must be promoted as places where readers freely consult both copyrighted…

One impact of the World Wide Web has been to level the playing field to a certain extent for publishing information by putting authoring and displaying tools in the hands of anyone who wants to use them. The University of California at San Diego (UCSD) Science & Engineering Library has taken advantage of the web's instructional possibilities…

The IIa Internet Study addressed the problem of access/retrieval of relevant information for end users in the digital environment. Findings indicate the feasibility of building distributed digital collections of Web-based documents by applying evolving technologies for dynamic harvesting, processing, and maintenance of catalog content. (AEF)

Describes changes in reference services in academic libraries prompted by new electronic formats and services. Four main areas are discussed: (1) changes in the philosophy of reference services and the types of reference services offered; (2) accessing reference services, including greater direct access by patrons; (3) physical configurations of…