Competition in the virtual reference market got really hot this past summer. Recent developments in virtual reference offerings suggest the market is much more dynamic than most people would have imagined a short time ago. With Google's acquisition of Meebo and its subsequent decision to shut down the chat widget service, many libraries scrambled…

The paper describes the theory and definition of the practice of librarianship, specifically addressing how Web 2.0 technologies (tools) such as synchronous messaging, collaborative reference service and streaming media, blogs, wikis, social networks, social bookmarking tools, tagging, RSS feeds, and mashups might intimate changes and how…

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

Reports the results of a survey of a free university-run electronic bulletin board. Provides data on gender, age, computer experience, frequency of use, reasons for use, and type of use for 122 users who responded to either an online or mailed survey. (JDH)

Provides a brief description of Usenet, the computer network, and discusses how it may be applied in library settings. How to become a Usenet user, when to choose Usenet instead of a listserv group, and its use as a discussion and reference tool are covered. Six examples of Usenet communications are included. (nine references) (KRN)

This second compilation of library network acronyms and initialisms cites 61 networks throughout the United States. Each annotated entry includes the network's acronym or initials, name, and address. A source of further information is cited in many entries, and an ED number is given for references available through the Educational Resources…

Ohio libraries are committed to development of a reference and information network. Duggan's twelve components are cited as useful in planning. A TWX experiment linking two union catalogs and the State Library is described. In a 172 day period (Feb.-Oct. 1969), 4502 requests (estimated as 44% or less of the current potential volume) entered the…

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)

Describes Usenet, an Internet service that provides access to computerized discussion groups, and examines how it can be used as a reference tool. Topics include subject groups, appropriate questions, exhausting local resources before posting, explaining Usenet to patrons, sending the question, and evaluating the answer. (AEF)

Since bibliographic services cannot be provided individually, it is this that offers the greatest potential for networking. This paper is concerned with the degree of success that libraries have in providing physical access to materials on the local level. Libraries do provide from their collections a large percent of items requested. If…

Describes an evaluation of Iowa's statewide teletype reference service operated primarily by library school students. (PF)

This article provides a brief glimpse of the National Lending Library at Boston Spa in Yorkshire which is the primary bibliographic resource center for science and technology in Great Britain. (Author)

Discussion of applications of teleconferencing, technology which allows information delivery and communication to take place through a television system, highlights three types of systems (videotext, teletext, fully interactive television); systems in use (CEEFAX, Oracle, Prestel, Telidon, Viewtron); public resistance; and telereference services…

Discussion of library reference services and the conflict between richness (complexity) of services and the reach (number of users that can be served) focuses on information technology that is used in electronic commerce and available on the Internet. Discusses changing roles of libraries and networked information environments. (Author/LRW)