Examines the implications for library public services policy of standards-based and survey-based approaches. The significance of these theories in designing courses in public services for students of library science is considered. Appropriate measures of the success of services are also discussed. (18 references) (Author/MES)

Reports on research that focused on competence and performance of reference libraries in academic libraries in Nigeria. Includes recommendations for improving competence and performance, including the reference process; staffing and other resources; education for reference librarians; knowledge of modern technology; and emotional stability and…

Discusses some of the problems created by the introduction of the Internet to academic library services. Topics include problems with the structure of the Internet, librarians' training on the Internet, the preparedness of current users for the Internet, and the impact on bibliographic instruction. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of librarians' training for teaching user education focuses on experiments at the University of North Texas in providing resources and empowering education for librarians and staff members who teach. The use of computer-based education principles and Ranganathan's laws of library science are explained. (Author/LRW)

Describes the Term Paper Clinic (TPC), a project in which students in a library reference class at the University of British Columbia offered reference assistance to other students. Appendixes include approaches and sources for the TPC search; instructions for the TPC search; a student library research guide; a report on user evaluations; and the…

Discusses several topics related to teaching reference work: (1) a basis for teaching reference; (2) teaching theory; (3) practicing skills; (4) preparing students for the employment marketplace; (5) developing interpersonal skills; (6) bibliographic instruction; and (7) the library environment. (five references) (MES)

Provides the background and outline of a one-day workshop on reference evaluation which integrates the elements of goals, objectives, and mission statements with output measurements from the point of view of reference service. Practical exercises to accompany such a workshop are suggested. (five references) (MES)

Presents the results of a survey of library schools regarding: (1) the content of basic reference courses; (2) the extent to which electronic retrieval has been integrated into general reference courses; and (3) faculty opinions on the potential impact of electronic retrieval on the role and responsibilities of the reference librarian. (20…

A survey of teachers of the basic reference course at American Library Association-accredited library schools examined: (1) course titles; (2) topics covered; (3) revision and updating of content; (4) faculty characteristics; and (5) faculty research and publishing. Tables present data on course topics and faculty experience. (MES)

Explores aspects of accuracy (in the context of question answering) in reference services. Some factors that might influence accuracy include: education, attitude, reference setting, reference collection, the nature of requests, and the patron. (57 references) (Author/AEF)

Includes four articles that discuss the evaluation of library reference services. Topics addressed include unobtrusive testing; measuring the accountability of reference librarians by behavioral rather than factual evaluation; on-the-job training of reference librarians; and faculty expectations of academic reference librarians. (52 references)…

Reports findings of a survey of 48 undergraduate students regarding their perceptions of academic librarians and discusses ideas for addressing existing misconceptions. Highlights include perceptions concerning librarians' education; librarians' skills, knowledge, and expertise; librarians versus clerical workers; and librarians' attitudes toward…

Reprints the introduction to a past theme issue on integrating library skills into the curriculum and includes additional comments on changes in scholarly communication; technological advances; library science education, library staff development, and continuing education; integrating new information technologies; collaborative learning; lifelong…

Discusses the goals, attitudes, and methods of reference teaching, focusing on some of the difficulties for the reference instructor. Teaching of the reference method, rather than facts, and a liberal concept of reference work are encouraged. (three references) (MES)

Provides a history of the library school at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Highlights include changes in curriculum, including advanced study and doctoral programs; continuing education; faculty activities, including library association involvement; research; and physical facilities. (LRW)