The two types of ethics with which this paper is concerned are: (1) those directly related to policies or attitudes of reference service in relation to inquiries which are symptomatic of current social change and (2) those associated with the quality of individualized reference service. (Author/NH)

Draws on current social science literature and applies it to the library reference setting in order to identify the symptoms of burnout in reference librarians. Remedies are suggested for individuals afflicted by burnout. A reference list and bibliography are included. (JL)

Discusses the changes necessitated as the Library of Congress moves towards adoption of "Anglo-American Cataloging Rules 2 (AACR 2)," increases its use of automation in technical service procedures, and explores how such changes will disrupt a patron's ability to find materials or information locally. (Author)

This draft was prepared by the Reference and Adult Services Division of ALA, and covers the issues of accuracy of information, impartiality of presentation, confidentiality of interview, and financial gain in information service work. (JAB)

Explores the implications of nonverbal communication, particularly body movement, for the library reference interview. (Author)

Reference librarians working outside the library with the library clientele may not only increase their effectiveness in transmitting information to library users, but they may become the key element in feeding information about user needs back to the library where administrative and selection decisions are being made. (Author/MF)

Briefly reviews the current developments in public access catalogs and poses questions for the public service librarian. (FM)

Suggests that, upon close inspection, an increase in the use of paraprofessionals at the reference desk is undesirable due to false assumptions about the ability of patrons to ask for what they want and of professional librarians to provide better service at higher levels of efficiency. (JD)

A lighthearted expose of non-typical patrons and their use and abuse of the reference librarian. (JAB)

This discussion of the issue of confidentiality or privacy in reference service describes similarities to other professions and explores the legal ramifications of confidentiality. Suggestions are offered to complement official professional guidelines in this area. Twenty references are listed. (MES)

Describes the nature of listening behavior and demonstrates how the technique of active listening can be an appropriate approach to enhancing communication between librarians and library patrons during the reference interview. Examples of active listening at the reference desk and suggestions on the effective use of this skill are provided.…

Summarizes problems affecting reference accuracy and solutions recommended by librarians in four areas: the reference interview, inadequate knowledge of sources, library system failure, and the fallible nature of human beings. It is argued that the recommended actions, when viewed as a whole, indicate that collaboration among librarians is a key…

Today's library users prefer a less formal relationship with the reference librarian. Library schools are responding to this trend by offering courses in communications strategy. Library researchers recommend sensitivity training for librarians. (JAB)

If librarians from all areas of reference and information service understood their own roles better, then they might feel more capable of fruitful interchange transcending common institutional boundaries. (Author)

Examines possible rules governing reference interviews: needs rule, wants rule, face value rule, and clarification rule. Face value rule is defended as a legitimate expression of one conception of the reference librarian's professional role, implying a restricted view of librarians' responsibility for outcome of reference inquiries. (MBR)