Discusses women's information needs and the lack of published literature and research on this topic. Identifies subjects of interest, as well as current trends in commercial electronic information systems and telecommunications that make the issue of information needs research and analysis urgent. (Author/AEF)

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…

Librarians will have to become more adept in the future in developing ways to assist users in narrowing or focusing information searches. Examples are provided of attempts by library and information professionals to help users cope with the problem of information overload. (Author/AEF)

An econometric model of library reference service is suggested for revision and improvement of current services. Discussion focuses on costs and budgets, expanding needs, and community support. (AEF)

Discusses implications for restructuring library reference services suggested by information needs and information-seeking behavior of scientists. Highlights include scientific and informal communication, accessibility and creativity, and a holistic approach to user-centered services. (AEF)

Describes the general situation of information services in rural public libraries in the context of the changing nature of rural America. Highlights include the development of rural communities and libraries; public expectations and information needs; barriers to information access; and examples of successful rural reference services. (Contains 31…

Examines literature for guiding libraries to develop services that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Presents a case of the University of Alabama Libraries' establishment of a technologies lab to serve the needs of the blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled students; examines problems and efforts to increase staff…

Describes the library instruction program at the University of California Santa Barbara, which uses a team-teaching method to cope with reduced staff and increased enrollment, collection, and teaching responsibilities. The benefits include a sense of departmental teamwork, improved student library literacy, and faculty and student goodwill. (EAM)

Considers ethical issues faced by special libraries concerning access to information and the needs of clients, the organization, and society. Topics discussed include collection development policies; physical access; user fees; organizational loyalty versus intellectual freedom; social responsibility; and personal values. (Contains 10 references.)…

Briefly describes the elements of document delivery and provides an introduction to four articles that discuss the planning and process of implementing document delivery in four university libraries. Major themes discussed include collection-development issues; user needs and expectations; and the reorganization of the libraries to incorporate…

Reports on a use of computer-aided instruction and multimedia technology in an outpatient library to meet the information needs of people who have severe and persistent mental illnesses. Topics include funding, special needs related to schizophrenia, computers in mental health rehabilitation, collection development, and library usage. (Author/LRW)

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…

Libraries need to take a new approach to community relations and marketing to respond to demographic changes and users who need new competencies to compete in the job market. Highlights include improving access; collection development; programs and services; staff development and recruitment; funding; and evaluation of effectiveness of services.…