This essay argues that the reference librarian is an intellectual, peculiarly equipped to have technology work for the librarian rather than the librarian for technology. It is a conviction that all people, not just a celebrated few, must be served by reference librarians. Twenty-one references are included. (Author/EJS)

Outlines costs and benefits to the user of the library as an information channel and notes the implications for library organization in terms of pricing and multiple services. (MBR)

Some apparent parameters, involving attitudes and behaviors, that affect urban libraries are discussed. (PF)

In this first quarter century, the USIS (United States Information Service) centers abroad, assessed for what they are and what they strive to be, have been a significant part of American library presence abroad. (17 references) (Author/MM)

The purpose of this article is to summarize current research findings in reading and to describe programs and practices about the disadvantaged as they relate or may relate to the library and librarians. (54 references) (Author/NH)

Examines the role of the federal government in relation to library services in metropolitan areas, and discusses legislative efforts to achieve library objectives. (Author/PF)

The specific emphasis of this paper on the urban library system includes: programs and services for a changing society and new clientele, community relationships, and the financing of programs. (12 references) (Author/NH)

Service to the disadvantaged can be fostered within existing institutions provided total commitment and strong administrative direction are given to: (1) organization and planning, (2) financing, (3) interagency cooperation and community relations, and (4) staffing. (15 references) (Author/NH)

This article traces how state library development agencies were affected by state and federal funds, and how they determined the pattern, volume, and utilization of funds. Relationships between state library agencies and local and federal libraries and governments between 1956 and 1977 are also explored. (Author)

There is no shortage of appropriate techniques for the analysis of library operations. Many of those described here require no particular mathematical background, and are essentially extensions of common sense. Strengths and weaknesses of various techniques were called to attention, and wider use by librarians of certain ones was encouraged. (37…

Interpersonal relations as necessary part of information transfer process are considered with respect to online searching in reference setting. Major concerns discussed are processes and activities of online searching, role of searcher versus that of end-user, and future trends of reference service in increasingly online environment. Fifty-five…

Libraries have failed to use marketing for three reasons: (1) a misunderstanding that equates marketing with publicity; (2) a lack of understanding of what marketing is; and (3) disagreement about the role of the client. Societal-marketing tries to balance patron demands with long-term societal needs in evaluating product excellence. (AEF)

This review of major applications of economic theory and research methods to libraries provides overviews of economics of information and of library services, research related to supply of library services, research into demand for library services, finances and fees, and the library labor market. A 78-item bibliography is provided. (EJS)

Identifies research topics related to outcomes assessment in a networked environment and discusses issues affecting these topics. Proposes a framework to relate traditional evaluation components and terminology to the networked environment and identifies factors in the networked environment that affect assessment methods. Suggests outcomes…