Electronic reference resources are expanding traditional print reference collections far beyond the walls of the library building. While the library literature has seen a debate rage about the various merits and pitfalls of electronic reference sources, no one disputes they are here to stay. As more of the library content becomes available through…

This document presents perspectives on, and a reference guide to internationally interlending materials in alternate formats (recordings, braille, large print). A questionnaire was sent to the world's known libraries serving the blind; results of the survey include specific lending information from 29 countries including: South Africa, Hong Kong,…

The introduction to a special issue on locally loaded databases in online library systems discusses three trends in using technology to provide greater access to materials available in library collections: unification of local collections; access to outside resources; and inclusion of reference works and full text in online catalogs. (three…

This study examined the degree to which contemporary world literature is available in United States OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) libraries. The 1991 volume of "World Literature Today," reviewing 837 works, was used as the source. German, English, Spanish, and French were the most frequently encountered languages. Fiction was the…

Prepared by the reference faculty of the Ramsey Library at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, this guide is the primary text for Bibliography 101, a one-hour course designed to help undergraduate students acquire basic understandings of the range of information resources available, how information is organized, and how it can be…

Provides several examples of drawbacks encountered when technological improvements are applied to the public access of library databases. Suggests that technological advances all carry some trade-off and that they should be employed cautiously. (NRP)

Describes the thinking and research involved in implementing an electronic reference service to Raritan Valley Community College's Library Web Page. Discusses implementation of a jargon-free "Ask a Librarian" service with well-defined procedures and a plan for advertising the service. Ideas incorporated in the procedures and plans are…