Reference librarians must, if they hope to survive, retool in preparation for becoming the interface between the patron and computer-based information systems. This involves sharpening the interview technique and understanding where to plug into the information flow process. (4 references) (Author)

If general librarians conclude that computer-oriented research has no practical application for them, and that they have nothing to contribute to the dialog with the information specialists, they may find that they have lost control of this area of the profession to outsiders." (11 references) (Author)

Although the ILL subsystem of OCLC is not yet operational, it is apparent the OCLC is being used to facilitate ILL now. The capabilities and advantages of such a system are discussed, as well as the problems it creates. (Author/JAB)

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,…

Describes the implementation of the Western Library Network's LaserCat CD-ROM catalog in the medium-sized academic library at the University of Idaho. Selection of LaserCat, creation of a LaserCat/Information desk in the library lobby, staff training, staff reactions, and user reactions are discussed. (Nine references) (Author/MES)

Presents a model that can accommodate staff preferences when determining a reference desk schedule using a microcomputer, the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software, and the linear programing software LP83. (eight references) (MES)

Includes an evaluation of turnkey circulation systems used to support online catalogs (Richard Boss), results of a survey to determine user attitudes toward online catalogs (Kenneth Dowlin), a description of Ohio State University's library control system (Susan Miller), and a profile of a user-designed subject retrieval system (Kaske and Sanders).…

Describes the structure of the interlibrary loan system in the United Kingdom and suggests implications for American libraries. The British Library Document Supply Centre (DSC) is explained; costs to borrowers and lenders are discussed; and strategic planning involving changing technology, politics, and economics is considered. (24 references)…

Discusses several concerns about nature of online public access catalogs (OPAC) that have particular import to reference librarians: user passivity and loss of control growing out of "human-machine interface" and the larger social context; and the tendency of computerized bibliographic systems to obfuscate human origins of library…

Summary of survey of the American Library Association Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) members concerning attitudes toward, need for, and preferences in acquiring information on automated information retrieval services. (KP)

Applies the anthropological concepts of culture shock and ethnocentricity to problems of computer and nonprint literacy in an electronic library. The role of librarians as agents of socialization is discussed, and the concept of education as a lengthy, ongoing process is considered. (Contains 12 references.) (LRW)

Describes how automation improves genealogical reference services and access to sources at the Genealogical Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Highlights include specialized access strategies to the computer-output microfiche catalog, the creation of a union catalog, special outputs from an automated system, and future developments in library…

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…

Basis for systematic computerization of academic research library's reference, collection development, and collection management functions emphasizes productivity enhancement for librarians and support staff. Use of microcomputer and university's mainframe computer to develop applications of database management systems, electronic spreadsheets,…

This brief description of the research program being carried out through the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of California, Los Angeles, focuses on issues, problems, and needs for research for long-range strategic planning for library and information resources in the research universities of the future. (MBR)