Developments in library services to Hispanic Americans include special collection development and outreach services to non-users but change is coming too slowly for America's fastest growing minority. Professional education has responded slowly, if at all to the Hispanic population's needs. (MBR)

Discusses customer service in libraries and the tendency to rely on past experiences rather than meet the needs and opportunities in today's changing electronic environment. Suggests that libraries focus on the users, create a climate that supports change, continuously survey the environment, and redirect resources. (LRW)

This essay on problems associated with library reference service and personnel discusses the pros and cons of four approaches designed to improve staff utilization and quality of performance--hiring additional staff, automation, alternative staffing arrangements, and planning and rearrangement of priorities. Fourteen sources are given. (EJS)

The general public and decision makers, as well as users, must be aware of programs designed to meet clearly defined user needs if library media centers are to develop and gain continued support in the face of spiraling inflation and public reaction to increased taxes. (VT)

Discusses the impact of technology on the profession of librarianship and suggests changes that are necessary for librarians to adapt to their changing role. Topics addressed include focusing on the mission of librarianship, i.e., providing access to information; librarians' sense of self-worth; educational requirements; and technological…

Argues that librarians should respond to the growing demand for medical information by expanding their role. The development of medical information reference, issues of accountability, legal responsibility, and user characteristics are discussed. Seven steps toward accountability, including in-depth reference interviewing, referral, training, and…