This study assessed undergraduate student performance in the production of bibliographic citations. A total of 1,958 papers from 2 private liberal arts colleges and 2 large state universities were examined. Data were analyzed by completeness of citations, subject, level, length of bibliography, campus, and type of material cited. (six references)…

This study explored the relationship between expanded information and referral (I&R) services and traditional reference services in public libraries in North Carolina. Results show librarians feel I&R services should be limited to those closely related to traditional reference services. Other I&R services typically provided by social…

This survey of public library use in Arthur, Illinois, reveals that 14 percent of nearby Amish population have purchased nonresident, family library cards. Comparison with rural populations in downstate Illinois and library use in Ohio Amish settlements suggests changes in Amish culture and role of public libraries near Amish settlements. Includes…

A survey of 180 small businesses in the London, Ontario (Canada) area examined the role of the library in providing information. Found that small businesses mainly obtained information through informal sources: customers; suppliers; and friends, associates, and relatives. Concludes that public libraries should network and promote an image of the…

Educational research textbooks often portray online computer searching as available only from distant database producers, or as something students can do for themselves without assistance from a reference librarian/search intermediary. User education may be needed in this area to correct users' misconceptions. (Author/EM)

Describes a survey of public librarians that examined their understanding and use of bibliographic instruction and their beliefs about the role of instruction in reference services. No consensus was found, but respondents' views seemed to be mediated by training in bibliographic instruction, library size, and the library's policy on user…

Student requests for online searching often show that faculty members have suggested inappropriate searches. A survey of faculty that examined their use of online searching in research and their communications to students about this research method is described, and ways in which librarians might improve the situation are suggested. The…

Discusses the role of readers' advisors in public libraries based on readers' responses to open-ended, qualitative interviews on reading for pleasure. Topics discussed include how books help people, how readers choose books, what they like and dislike about fiction collections in libraries, and how libraries and librarians can be more helpful to…

Describes a survey that profiles faculty use and perceptions of the academic library and identifies specific predictors of faculty perceptions of library performance. Differences by rank and academic area are highlighted, and then used to develop action plans for overall liaison programs and for individual liaisons between libraries and…