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)

Reference librarians working outside the library with the library clientele may not only increase their effectiveness in transmitting information to library users, but they may become the key element in feeding information about user needs back to the library where administrative and selection decisions are being made. (Author/MF)

Library networks place a demand on the reference librarian to know the potential of all information resources within the network. (PF)

Describes the nature of listening behavior and demonstrates how the technique of active listening can be an appropriate approach to enhancing communication between librarians and library patrons during the reference interview. Examples of active listening at the reference desk and suggestions on the effective use of this skill are provided.…

Discusses user-centered thinking and lessons from reader-centered theory. Reviews findings from studies by literary theorists on user-centered approaches to information and uses these findings to support and offer two analogies: (1) an analogy between reader and library user; and (2) an analogy between information and the library. (Author/JMV)

Examines possible rules governing reference interviews: needs rule, wants rule, face value rule, and clarification rule. Face value rule is defended as a legitimate expression of one conception of the reference librarian's professional role, implying a restricted view of librarians' responsibility for outcome of reference inquiries. (MBR)

Identifies two fundamental properties of questions, i.e., they have a structure that consists of a subject and a query, and they presuppose a limited number of basic categories of human thought. A system for classifying questions by conceptual presupposition is proposed to assist information professionals in handling user questions effectively.…

The floating librarian'' is one who interprets and adjusts the formal library structure to meet legitimate needs. This is one of the ways the academic reference librarian can gain greater acceptance with students and faculty. (9 references) (Author/NH)

This compilation provides comprehensive coverage of the bibliographic services in the U. S. It serves as a guide to publications, publishers, associations, Federal agencies, and others offereing these services to give an impression of the variety of activities as well as to suggest many valuable sources to the user. (MF)

Discusses the theory of self-disclosure and outlines a proposed model of self-disclosure appropriate for reference work and question negotiations between librarians and library users. (Author/FM)

Examines current developments by public libraries in the area of services designed to meet the information needs of female clientele. (FM)

Guideposts for the librarian are established on how to guard against buying information which is duplicated too heavily to do the collection any good. (MF)

Seventy-seven MLIS (masters of library and information studies) students visited a library and asked a question that mattered to him or her personally. Only 59.7% expressed a willingness to return to the same librarian with another question. Willingness to return and overall satisfaction were significantly related to the librarian's behavior and…

The study reported here was conducted to determine whether local decision makers have information needs that can be elicited by direct contact, whether their questions could be answered through the resources of a research library, and, if so, whether the public library could have served as well. (Author/JAB)

Addresses extent to which public libraries have served needs of organized labor over past 50 years and examines factors that have influenced services offered and how libraries have responded. Role played by AFL-CIO/ALA Joint Committee on Library Service to Labor Groups and future direction of services are noted. (22 references) (EJS)