Compares the effectiveness of five online systems in facilitating interlibrary services. The OCLC Interlibrary Loan (ILL) subsystem, the Research Libraries Group (RLG) Message System, the University of Toronto Library Automation System (UTLAS), and two others are evaluated with respect to the request verification, location, request transmission,…

The University of Washington (Seattle) developed an administrative process that integrates user needs assessment. The user-centered library is defined and assessment initiatives including policies, surveys, analysis of resource allocation, and professional development are discussed. (AEF)

Proposes and investigates feasibility of using three new variables in addition to simple activity counts in measuring reference services: (1) user questioning regardless of where activity occurs; (2) treating individual user and question as unit of analysis; and (3) examination of questioning in context of other library use. (11 references) (EJS)

Discusses the need to incorporate interlibrary loan statistics into library collection development decisions and describes the Interlibrary Loan Records Keeping System (ILLRKS), a software package for the management of interlibrary loan records. The strengths and weaknesses of ILLRKS are examined, particularly with regard to collection development…

Discussion of performance appraisal and evaluation focuses on a peer review and evaluation process of reference services that was developed at Louisiana State University. Formative evaluation principles are discussed, user survey results are reported, and a checklist for implementing a peer desk review process is provided. (20 references) (LRW)

Deals with the difficulties that arise in overcoming the physical and bibliographic problems of microform government publications. Areas discussed include accessing documents, arranging collections, and type of physical facilities and equipment needed. Practical suggestions for promoting use of microforms documents are given. (Author/EM)

Strategic planning for public libraries as advocated by the PLA (Public Library Association) in the Public Library Development Program is likely to be met with resistance due to changes it requires in traditional public library planning and services. Conflicts that may arise are discussed, as well as methods for preventing, minimizing, and…

Use of online bibliographic databases as ready-reference sources was evaluated in five-month study at three reference areas in University of Arizona Library. Equipment and training requirements were analyzed, and statistics were collected on databases searched, costs per search, question type, and patron and staff reactions. Ready-reference…

This comparison of the most recent edition of the American Library Association's "Guide to Reference Books" with earlier editions discusses (1) purpose; (2) organization; (3) bibliographic description; (4) annotation style; (5) attempts to select major titles; (6) balance in subject disciplines; and (7) media sources and databases. (MES)

Describes a comparative survey of Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory and the Guide to Microforms in Print which indicated that the information on microform availability given by Ulrich's is not accurate. The results of the comparison are summarized in a table. (JL)

Describes and evaluates several fiction classification systems from the perspective of how well they answer likely reader queries regarding subjects of novels, and their utility for browsing. The usefulness of subject headings for card catalogs and print and online indexes to enhance topical access to fiction is discussed. (Author/MBR)

Addresses the importance of effective screen and menu design for online public access catalogs, and the responsibility of the instruction librarian to learn required technological information, such as MARC format, in order to influence design. Other concerns for those involved in screen design include screens for gateways, system modules, local…

Describes problems with journal citation integrity, the conflict that has arisen between them and cataloging standards, and the parallel dangers presented by journal citations that are unverified. Emphasizes the importance of awareness on the part of public service librarians. (Author/JKP)

Discussion of problems of interlibrary loan services highlights high prices, confusing terminology, poor invoicing practices, and restrictions on lending. Two tables show charges for lending/photocopying and number of items loaned in selected private and public university libraries in 1974/75 and 1983/84. Twenty-six references are listed.…

Reviews controversies over different conceptions of critical thinking and its application to education. Discusses the relevance to and impact of critical thinking on bibliographic instruction. (JKP)