The increasing popularity of Social Reference (SR) services has enabled a corresponding growth in the number of users engaging in them as well as in the number of questions submitted to the services. However, the efficiency and quality of the services are being challenged because a large quantity of the questions have not been answered or…

Several factors are involved in the decision to reclassify library collections and several problems and choices must be faced. The discussion of four classification schemes (Dewey Decimal, Library of Congress, Library of Congress subject-headings and Universal Decimal Classification) involved in the choices concerns their structure, currency,…

A collection of 144 general reference works was analyzed and encoded according to 254 identifiable characteristics of services and contained data, comprising an approach language" expressing search parameters. (Author)

Designed to fill the need for a continuing series to provide scholarly reviews of the reapidly changing field of librarianship, this book presents critical articles and surveys based on the published literature, research in progress, and developments in libraries of all types. The eleven subject areas covered are: (1) "The Machine and Cataloging"…

The role of the humanities, as it relates to library science, is examined. Librarians are encouraged to utilize automation to free them for their central position in the information transfer process. (MF)

Discusses online bibliographic searching in light of the Toren theory, i.e., that computerization may lead to deprofessionalization of an occupation when it can no longer hold a controlling monopoly over its knowledge base. Also considered is the opposing position that online searching enhances the status of the searcher. (Author/SW)

Assesses the effect of the communications technology revolution on library and information specialists and the environment for the delivery of library services. Four functions affecting the library and information environment--management, communications, instruction, and publication--are noted. (EJS)

Four speeches are presented, each of which deals with the use of conputers to organize and retrieve news stories. The first speech relates in detail the step-by-step process devised by the "Free Press" in Detroit to analyze, categorize, code, film, process, and retrieve news stories through the use of the electronic film retrieval…

An invitational conference, attended by 200 library executives, practitioners and persons from allied fields, was held to explore progress and problems in library development in New York State. Special consideration was given to: (1) the application of data processing techniques for reference and research and (2) the improvement of information…

Outlines structural changes in the information supply community effected by the emergence of computer-searchable files as a major information resource together with other developments in electronic technology. Database definitions, interface differences, DuPont experiences, and options available to libraries and information centers are discussed.…

Information services provided by the reference librarians at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) are outlined as an introduction to this document on projected services to the public by the Center for Information Services (CIS). The report discusses the types of data base which may be searched (bibliographic reference tapes, full…

Sixteen papers are presented which focus on microforms and data processing in library and information centers. Articles include discussions of cost analysis, decision making and program planning, library automation, information retrieval, indexing, cataloging, and computer services for libraries. (CH)

Deals with the interaction of traditional library reference and the new services generated by online information retrieval capabilities. Described are the impact of online reference within the library context, problems resulting from implementation, and the librarian's influence on future prospects. (Author/SW)

Utilization of the computer to assist library information processing and retrieval is discussed. Problems associated with computer application and discussion of existing information services utilizing computers is included. (JG)