Discusses the library's role in teaching users the skills that will help them learn from their reading. (FM)

The recent resurgence of interest outside the library field in independent study and the development of formal programs for nontraditional study provide new opportunities for public libraries to serve the independent learner. (Author)

A lighthearted expose of non-typical patrons and their use and abuse of the reference librarian. (JAB)

Discussion of the guidelines which were prepared "to establish a conceptual framework of service" for all libraries by the Standards Committee of the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) of the American Library Association. (JAB)

Examines current developments by public libraries in the area of services designed to meet the information needs of female clientele. (FM)

Argues that a librarian's traditional roles--keeper and retriever of knowledge, readers' advisor, information specialist--are most valid in the experiential learning process. As a place that voluntarily attracts many patrons who lack higher education, the library can serve as a "broker" between them and the educational institutions.…

Libraries must provide more than the usual reference services by taping community information sources such as social agencies, religious organizations, local clubs and societies, local businesses, and residents who have special knowledge. The library must also take an active, rather than passive, role in delivering information. (LS)

Discusses the role of college libraries in the teaching of library skills to undergraduates, and describes a program in which an English department cooperated with library staff in sharing the responsibility for instruction. (FM)

This study assessed undergraduate student performance in the production of bibliographic citations. A total of 1,958 papers from 2 private liberal arts colleges and 2 large state universities were examined. Data were analyzed by completeness of citations, subject, level, length of bibliography, campus, and type of material cited. (six references)…

This study explored the relationship between expanded information and referral (I&R) services and traditional reference services in public libraries in North Carolina. Results show librarians feel I&R services should be limited to those closely related to traditional reference services. Other I&R services typically provided by social…

Examines library services to Hispanic Americans in general, with reference to the predominantly Hispanic community served by the public library at Fabens, Texas. The concepts of ethnic competence, cultural awareness, and cross-cultural service are discussed in this context. (18 references) (MES)

If the library is to serve a communication function, we need not only to gain further insight into the nature and pattern of the interpersonal encounter through scholarly research, but also to have a clearly defined notion of the library's role in today's rapidly changing society. (38 references) (Author)

Examines cultural and personal factors which may affect an individual's request for medical information from a librarian and the concept of the librarian as "educator-catalyst" working with health care professionals, highlighting self-destructive tendencies of society, negative effects of some advertising, the flood tide of health…

Provides an individual's response to article by Dr. Paul Kay in the same issue of "RQ" regarding the use of health care information. Patron's health-related needs, the role of the librarian, the reference interview, and bibliotherapy are highlighted. Five references are listed. (EJS)

Discusses the special collections and archival materials often found in medium-sized public libraries which should be fully used by historical researchers. It is suggested that public libraries need to advertise their collections which are of historical interest and to be more aware of the needs of the historical researcher. (Author/JL)