Contains papers presented at the Cooperative Reference Service Committee program during the 1981 ALA Annual Conference, including discussions of the Library of Congress Reference Correspondence Referral program, the University of Illinois Slavic Reference Service, the functions of the British Library Lending Division, and national-level…

The role of public services librarians in collection development is examined in light of changes being brought to libraries by finances, cooperation, and information access. Highlights include situation in academic and special libraries, attributes of successful reference librarians and choices affecting collection developing, collection…

Discusses the problems, benefits, and future of cooperative library reference services in five separate papers: (1) keynote address; (2) interlibrary reference communication; (3) quality control; (4) computerized cooperative reference; and (5) national reference service. (JD)

Discusses the role librarians have assumed in the implementation of AACR 2/catalog closing at the Library of Congress (LC), speculates on how AACR 2 will affect public service librarians in patron interactions, and describes LC's plans to inform/instruct/train staff and the public regarding the changes. (Author)

Explains the University of Toronto Library's three-year experience in teaching users and staff via practice sessions, slides, and worksheets to use its COM (computer output microfilm) microcatalog, which is the largest in North America. (Author/JD)

Focuses on the design and capabilities of the WLN (Washington Library Network) computer system to provide reference and other public service functions. Specific topics addressed include bibliographic formats for microform and online catalogs, bibliographic standards for reference use, the effects of AACR 2, and the growth of the WLN system.…

The director of the Buros Institute of Mental Measurements describes the "Mental Measurements Yearbook,""Tests in Print," the institute's online database, its symposium, and symposium books. Suggestions to librarians for increasing effectiveness of service to users of tests are included. (Author/EM)

Presents the scope and developmental guidelines for reference and information services in libraries and information centers that have been adopted by the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association. Services, resources, environment, personnel, evaluation, and ethics of service are the areas covered. Included is a…

Based on a review of the literature, this discussion addresses such key aspects of the librarian's changing role in the online search process as the reference interview, online search evaluation, user training, and information service management. Future trends are noted, and 43 references are listed. (EJS)