Reference services in public libraries are changing dramatically. The Internet, online databases, and shrinking budgets are all making it necessary for non-traditional reference staff to become familiar with online reference tools. Recognizing the need for cross-training, Chesapeake Public Library (CPL) developed a program called the Database…

Librarians have long struggled to find user-friendly mediums to provide meaningful information to patrons using bibliographies, pathfinders, and subject guides with varying degrees of success. Content management systems, such as Springshare's LibGuides, have recently been developed to facilitate the creation of online subject guides. Special…

Discusses problems of increasing numbers of databases (standardization, vendor contracts, training, restricted access, duplicate citations), noting implications for change in librarian's role as supplier of decision making data (education, users groups, search aids, information brokers, collection evaluation, reference and source databases,…

Examines issues of knowledge management within academic libraries and how reference librarians can become more effective as information intermediaries. Describes the common knowledge database (CKDB) developed at Rutgers University's New Brunswick campus to more fully integrate libraries on campus and to facilitate the use and management of…

Identifies the advantages and limitations of online search services offered by libraries, cautioning the searcher and user to consider and evaluate all options before performing online search. The librarian's responsibility to solve the user's information problem in a desirable way is discussed. Five references are listed. (EJS)

This survey of online search service centers in Canada was conducted to provide data on these centers and, more specifically, on the characteristics of the human search intermediary; and to provide an accurate overall picture of online searching in Canada. The survey questionnaires were mailed to approximately 765 Canadian customers of seven…

Examines the probability and impact of an increase in end-user searching of online databases on librarians and library education. The problems of end-user searching are discussed, new developments in online access are reviewed, and recommendations for the education of the end-user are made. Included are 25 references. (JL)

Designed for librarians and administrators new to the field as well as experienced online searchers, this bibliographic guide provides current and comprehensive information to aid in online searching. The normal types of materials, i.e., books, journals, newsletters, directories, bibliographies, indexes, and abstracts are listed; however, there…

Presented are the results of a study which examined the scope of the ERIC data base. Recommendations include a more explicitly stated policy for selective indexing of data base and indexing procedures, and also a consideration of indexing, but not abstracting, relevant dissertations. (AP)

Compares the relative costs of online and offline printing of retrieved citations in bibliographic searching. A formula for cost comparison is presented, and some of the advantages of high-speed (120 characters per second) output devices are outlined. (JL)

Discusses issues regarding training for computer-based reference services, including who is to be trained and who is responsible for training, and summarizes the training offered to date by search service suppliers, database suppliers, library schools, and extension programs. Available training materials are also considered. (Author/FM)

Presents online search statistics, and reviews databases in the social sciences using the files found in DIALOG. Discusses the value of familiarity with fee-based databases for librarians and social science researchers. Concludes that database information plays a relevant role in research and expands the library resources, especially those without…

The four papers in this collection discuss the planning, development, and use of online library catalogs. The first article on the requirements for online catalogs by Velma Veneziano describes such specific features as comprehensiveness, flexibility, affordability, availability, structured access, user friendliness, level of cataloging, and status…

The findings of a survey of depository librarians' involvement in and training in the use of online database searching, access to online terminals, and acquisition of microformatted government publications online are presented and discussed. Recommendations are made for increasing such involvement, and a 26-item bibliography is included. (CHC)

Authors share their experiences in training Oklahoma Teletype Interlibrary System/ Oklahoma Information Line (OTIS/OIL) personnel in the techniques of "profiling" searches during a one day workshop. Components of the workshop described are straight lecturing, interactive lecturing, role playing, and problem solving. (JPF)