Issues involved in integrating new methods of bibliographic and physical access with old ones to create a unified system of periodical article access and identification are identified. Desirable characteristics of a system, a possible model, and suggestions for further research are presented. (Author/JKP)

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)

An experiment investigated whether the format in which information is stored affects the outcomes of ready reference transactions in terms of efficiency and accuracy. Results indicate that bibliographic questions are more efficiently answered online, while factual questions are more efficiently answered with print sources. Results of the study are…

Growing numbers of libraries are experimenting with a new form of interactive reference to extend service to their patrons at the point-of-need and time-of-need. Examines digital reference for the altered user culture and point-of-need service products. Describes a pilot project offering chat reference service. Discuses developing service…

Reports on a Delphi study developing consensus about the information needs of members of the Women's Studies faculty at the University of Michigan. Discusses the implications of the findings for future research in collection development, instruction, and reference service. Also presents the consensus on top priority and lowest priority issues.…

Discusses the evolution of GIS (geographic information systems) services and the roles that reference and public services professionals may play in providing this technology to users: developing collections to incorporate GIS; providing access to spatial information and software tools; and facilitating intellectual access to GIS concepts and…

Reviews arguments for and against fees for online services and describes a supply side model in which the library absorbs the costs of online searching. The implementation of this policy at an academic library is evaluated and detailed guidelines for implementing such a policy are provided. (CLB)

Discussion of the use of academic libraries by public borrowers focuses on policies developed at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Highlights include library networks and identity problems; access to materials; fee-based reference services; and requiring patrons to register a credit card to be used for replacement materials and fines. (LRW)

Describes an exchange program between academic libraries in Sichuan Province and Washington State University, and discusses the Chinese approach to academic librarianship in the areas of management and personnel, access and circulation, automation, reference services, collection development and censorship, and library facilities. (CLB)

A study at the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (Saudi Arabia) revealed that the overall materials availability performance rose from 63.8% to 76% when library staff provided assistance. The major reasons for nonavailability of items were related to circulation policy, ownership, and user skills. (Author/AEF)