Describes a survey of public librarians that examined their understanding and use of bibliographic instruction and their beliefs about the role of instruction in reference services. No consensus was found, but respondents' views seemed to be mediated by training in bibliographic instruction, library size, and the library's policy on user…

Good reference librarians need to be good interviewers. Unfortunately most librarians have not learned to use the technique of open questions to obtain information about the user and what he is looking for. Examples of open and closed questions with typical responses are given. (4 references) (DH)

Six decision-making steps of the reference process were isolated through development of a model reference query. Instructional modules for each of the steps are described. The program is suitable for library school students or library paraprofessionals. (JAB)

Difficulties involved with serving users are well known, but until now no one has tried to determine the percentage of those users who have questions but don't ask the librarian for assistance. This survey attempts to identify such users and discover why they don't ask. (16 references) (DH)

Provides background on concept mapping and discusses concept maps drawn by library science graduate students in a reference and information services course. Applications of concept mapping of significance to librarians--in reference service, instruction, and research--are considered. Several sample concept maps are included. (19 references) (MES)

Thirty-five library school students enrolled in a course at Peabody Library School on Bibliography of the Social Sciences" were asked to latch on to a graduate student in one of the social sciences, discover his library needs, and see what could be done to meet them. (MM)

Eight librarians express their views on the state of the libraries' reference services with some suggestions for their improvement. (37 references) (NH)

Library schools need to reorganize in order to permit specialization in such fields as archivy, special materials or special groups. The philosophy behind such a move is presented. Special mention is made of the position of the archivist within library science. (DH)

Two problems in the education of reference librarians and the efforts made by a project to remedy them are discussed in this article: unsatisfactory teaching methods, and variation of education and skill among students. (Author/SJ)

Presents eight responses from individuals reacting to Suprenant's and Perry-Holmes's article entitled "Reference Librarian of the Future" (RQ, Winter, 1985). Topics covered in the responses include the information poor, information consultants, information interpretation, library education, the human element, revitalizing reference…

This section contains: A Librarians Teaching Experience--Some Reflections,'' Undergraduate Reference Aids,'' Politics of Press Proliferation,'' Local History Organized,'' Readex Microprint and the GPO,'' Teasdal-Rossett, Ghost,'' Hospital Reference Service,'' Service to the Spanish Speaking,'' The Oral History Program,'' An Overview of…

Students of reference work need help in developing search strategies. The general knowledge of the student and the size of the collection should be considered, then decision factors such as language, time available, amount of information required and space can be ranked. (2 references) (DH)

A new course at the University of California School of Library Service, Los Angeles, which involves actual library reference desk experience is described. (2 references) (NH)

Reports results of a study which gathered exploratory data about reference services to library school students via a questionnaire sent to librarians, faculty, and students. Possible contradictions between the daily reality of reference work and the idealism of reference codes of ethics which demand equal service for all patrons are considered.…