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…

This survey to determine how the library resources in the Buffalo-Niagara area might be utilized in a regional Reference and Research Library Resources (3R's) system studied: (1) area library resources, (2) strength of the libraries at the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) and the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library…

The results of this study outline the plans for the establishment of a cooperative network of Ohio Art Libraries. Academic, Special, and Public Libraries are included. The study reveals that these several libraries jointly possess a major art research resource. In addition to sharing, it was decided that a clearly defined program outlining areas…

This report on existing library reference and research resources in the North Country area, the needs of area users, and possibilities for cooperation and development of library resources in one of the studies conducted in terms of the proposed Reference and Research Library Resources (3-R) library network in New York State. The survey was carried…

This plan describes the status of multi-library cooperation and resource sharing in Idaho and outlines possible ways of developing an infrastructure which supports those activities. The end result will be regional multi-type library organizations with well-developed governance structures which support resource sharing activities locally,…

Describes the services offered by a special unit of the New York State Library which serves as a focal point for providing services to state agency staff and for relating the needs of state agency librarians to the State Library. The discussion covers the development of interagency networking and resource sharing. (nine references) (Author/CLB)

Wisconsin's Interlibrary Library Loan Task Force was created in 1994 to identify and discuss effective patterns and methods of sharing resources among libraries of all types in Wisconsin and to determine the direction that different organizational levels should take in resource sharing, and to evaluate existing state-wide resource-sharing…

This newly updated and revised expansion of the Wisconsin Library Trustee's Manual serves as a comprehensive resource and how-to guide for board members of public libraries that range in size and scope from small to large communities in both urban and rural areas. The manual includes basic information to which every Wisconsin library trustee…

The checklist and date distribution methods are used to evaluate the reference collections of two New Jersey Area Reference Libraries, an older, traditional single unit public library and a newer unit in a system of nine libraries. Three sectors of the reference collection are tested: reference books, abstracting and indexing services and serials.…

The New York State Reference and Research Resources Program (3R's) is a statewide program designed to serve the research community by ensuring speedy access to advanced research library materials for students and faculty in institutions of higher education, as well as for research workers in business and industry in the State. The program was…

Describes how the Tulsa City-County Library System built a 22-branch CD-ROM-based network with the emerging thin-client/server technology, and succeeded in providing patrons with the most current research tools and information resources available. Discusses costs; networking options; the Citrix WinFrame system used; equipment and connectivity.…

The twenty-first edition of the Bowker Annual serves as an almanac, handbook, and fact finder for the library and publishing fields. The first section, "Reports from National Associations and Agencies," summarizes the 1975 activities of 14 organizations. The second part, "Developments in Librarianship and Publishing," features articles on the…

Discussion of virtual reference services focuses on software that is currently available and further developments that are needed. Topics include co-browsing and collaboration capabilities; communications technology, including chat technology and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP); networked reference services; and online reference collections…

Through descriptions of widely available and helpful sources to find answers about North American Indians, this article highlights some basic library sources such as reference books, reference librarians, electronic indexes, on-line databases, and periodic indexes. In finding books owned by the library about North American Indians, the use of the…

Five articles about library cooperation discuss: statewide tiered reference services in California; sharing costs and increasing access through the Washington State Library's database licensing project; the Washington State Cooperative Library Project; FIND-IT! Washington, a World Wide Web site for locating government information; and the impact…