Focuses on advantages and disadvantages of centralizing the administration of a bibliographic instruction program in the academic library reference department, noting objectives in administration of such a program; concerns to be addressed prior to deciding who, within organizational structure, administers program; and administration through…

Lists guidelines for education, experience, level of knowledge/skill, and general reference ability to be considered in selecting public library online searching staff. Content of staff development programs is outlined in three areas: (1) general orientation; (2) training in the fundamentals of online searching; and (3) online searcher development…

Guides librarians on how to assist users studying environmental public policy, and discusses sources under three main headings: environmental interest groups, business and labor, and government. Also examines social science indexes relevant to environmental public policy. A list of sources is appended. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the value of professionally sanctioned guidelines for planning, implementing, and evaluating reference and information services in school libraries. A checklist is provided for assessing school library media reference services based in part on "Information Power." Results can be used for evaluating and upgrading existing…

Reviews several approaches to college faculty library orientation process based on needs of faculty involved and availability of library staff. Highlights include the required presence of faculty at the student orientation class; presentations at faculty meetings; and the faculty orientation class (level of instruction, instructional materials).…

Reference librarians can adapt services for older adults through interviews using interpersonal communication skills. Reader's advisory services, programming, and outreach activities should be focused to target older adult users. Information about issues of family relationships, health, housing, legal and financial affairs, and leisure can be…

Reference librarians must determine the unique information needs of patrons and develop and market appropriate collections and services. The changing instructional paradigm in education provides an opportunity for encouraging information use and literacy for the educational community. Discussion includes information seeking and library use by…

Examines three publications as guides for evaluating library reference services and the potential of one for the development of children's services. Highlights include public library planning, limitations, output measures for children's materials and information services, and the library role. (AEF)

Four articles describe the usefulness of the Internet to reference librarians and discuss Internet search tools: "Getting Started on the Net" (Karen R. Diaz); "Gopher Searching Using VERONICA" (Lousie McGillis); "How to Use VERONICA To Find Information on the Internet" (Jackie Mardikian); and "The Internet…

Considers how to plan for online reference services. Highlights include local access to databases, including CD-ROM and database licensing; local gateways; online search services; and planning considerations, including cost, locating online information, telecommunications and computing infrastructures, and equal access. (Contains 15 references.)…

Stresses the need for understanding the barriers to effective library use resulting from the diversity of users and the overwhelming amount of information available. Guidelines are suggested for use by academic librarians in evaluating facilities, services, and staff to assess their effectiveness in welcoming users and validating their information…

Includes five articles that discuss (1) outcomes assessment in higher education; (2) the librarian's role in academic assessment and accreditation; (3) what library skills to teach high school students; (4) an innercity high school library programs; and (5) accountability for bibliographic instruction programs in academic libraries. (69…

Five articles describe specific Internet resources, including geoscience and science databases; economic and statistical information; the JANET (Joint Academic Network) Bulletin Board for Librarians; and White House communications. A sixth article describes how practical applications of Internet information create new roles for reference…

Four articles address human factors in libraries, including (1) working with staff and users during library automation; (2) the concepts of diversity and multiculturalism when assessing reference staff and collections; (3) a mentoring program for librarians undergoing tenure review; and (4) patron privacy and the accountability of the reference…