Discusses the use of the OCLC Authority File for answering reference questions. Contents of the authority file are described, including personal, corporate, conference, and geographic names, uniform titles, and subject headings; accessing the authority file is explained; searching strategies are discussed; and examples of authority records are…

Analyzes computerized reference and information services with respect to problems in the areas of (1) communication barriers between the user and the information specialist; (2) local resources development; (3) external resources policy; (4) search strategy development; and (5) artificial intelligence. (24 references) (Author/MES)

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)

Discussion of barriers that prevent open and free access to government information highlights federal policies toward reduced data collection for and dissemination of agency studies and privatization of these functions; the use of microforms and computer technologies as media for government information; and the quality of depository library…

Discusses kinds of problems public librarians encounter in the process of providing legal and health information. Data are compared from two surveys of reference librarians who provide legal and health information services in Ontario (Canada) public libraries, and implications for collection development are suggested. (17 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of the Internet for ready reference and considers limitations, reference policy, and cost issues. Highlights include general reference sources; database searching on the Internet; Gopher; bibliographic control and access to Internet resources; personnel issues; and levels of service. (Contains 30 references.) (LRW)

Discussion of various alternatives for privatization of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) being studied by the Department of Commerce highlights issues identified in the April 1986 notice in the Federal Register, representative users' comments, the range of NTIS services and products, and the implications of privatization for…

Ohio State University Library studied abilities of undergraduates to identify correct sources for answering reference questions when using the online catalog and the Sourcefinder database with its new Question Unit feature. Users located subjects and instructions at a greater percentage with Sourcefinder than with the online catalog. Topics…

Assessed library instruction initiatives with respect to OPACs by surveying 414 academic, public, school, and special libraries. Most participants' libraries have modified library OPAC software; librarians continue to teach use of the online catalog; few systems have built-in tutorials; and few have computer-assisted instruction. (Author/JKP)