Reviews two strands of modern archival writing about reference: one stressing the importance of subject finding aids; the other relying on traditional forms of archival retrieval. Each has emphasized the advantages of new technology but neglected the importance of the reference interview. Raises issues for research and recommends improved…

Describes a computerized program presently being developed on the World Wide Web, which is designed to locate and store reference information through the use of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). Reports a preliminary investigation of the adequacy of FAQs to cover a sample of questions on American government, politics, elections and law. (AEF)

Four articles describe the usefulness of the Internet to reference librarians and discuss Internet search tools: "Getting Started on the Net" (Karen R. Diaz); "Gopher Searching Using VERONICA" (Lousie McGillis); "How to Use VERONICA To Find Information on the Internet" (Jackie Mardikian); and "The Internet…

Provides an introduction to World Wide Web search tools for reference services. Discusses characteristics of search services and types of tools available, including search engines/robot-generated databases, directories, metasearch engines, and review/rating sites. (AEF)

Compares artificial intelligence and information retrieval paradigms for natural language understanding, reviews progress to date, and outlines the applicability of artificial intelligence to question answering systems. A list of principal artificial intelligence software for database front end systems is appended. (CLB)

A series of six articles discusses the technology of optical data disks, current and possible future applications of this technology, their potential impact on information retrieval systems, and the potential problems as they apply to information science. (CLB)

The DR-LINK (Document Retrieval through Linguist Knowledge) search system was created to help automate the process that research librarians use to convert information needs, as stated by users, into the information retrieval process. DR-LINK resulted from participation in the United States Government initiative called Tipster that was sponsored by…

Forty-six panels address topics including women in information science; users and usability; information studies; reference services; information policies; standards; interface design; information retrieval; information networks; metadata; shared access; e-commerce in libraries; knowledge organization; information science theories; digitization;…

The author of this article is an automation librarian, but at times he also works at the reference desk, as well as teaching library instruction and literacy classes. Working at the reference desk, he learns how users handle their library's information technology. This article explores the conclusions that the author has reached regarding the…

Beginning this annual report is a letter to the OCLC membership from OCLC President and Chief Executive Officer, K. Wayne Smith. Statistical data are then presented in tables and/or graphs for OCLC programs and the system's financial status for fiscal years 1990/91 and 1989/90; the growth of the OCLC Online Union Catalog from 1971-1991 in terms of…

For the past two decades the central Information Retrieval Services of the Max Planck Society has been providing database searches for scientists in Max Planck Institutes and Research Groups throughout Germany. As a supplement to traditional search services offered by professional intermediaries, they have recently fostered the introduction of a…

Four articles address traditional mediation in library services, including the librarian as mediator, the reference librarian as information intermediary, recommitment to patrons' information needs, and mediation in reference service to extend patron success. (87 references) (LRW)

This proceedings contains 56 papers, presentation summaries, and/or slide presentations pertaining to the Internet, World Wide Web, intranets, and library systems. Topics include: Web databases in medium sized libraries; Dow Jones Intranet Toolkit; the future of online; Web searching and Internet basics; digital archiving; evolution of the online…

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…

The 29 articles in this theme issue of "The Bookmark" focus on various aspects of school library media programs. The articles are as follows: (1) "School Library Media Program Connections for Learning" (Betty J. Morris); (2) "Humanity and Technology in the School of the Future" (Michael V. McGill); (3) "Community…