Identifies the major aspects of reference service and develops three theories of reference work (minimum, middling, and maximum) based on the application of these activities in various types of libraries. A case is then made for amplified reference services, and suggestions are offered for dealing with the problems of reference service expansion.…

Argues that the primary purpose of the school library is to provide information, and discusses selection policies, the librarian's teaching responsibilities, the need for clerical assistance, and centralized processing in this context. A vision of the school library as information center is presented with summaries of the roles of teachers, the…

The relation between library instruction and the reference function is explored, noting characteristics and aims of both functions, terminology (bibliographic instruction and library instruction), user attitudes toward library use, correlation of the two services, and purposes of both bibliographic instruction and the reference process. Sixteen…

Discusses values that have shaped and guided the profession of reference librarian and portrays the rigors of working at a general reference desk. Topics include information overload; demands of the information age; societal trends; new technologies; training; and role reconsideration for the librarian, including teacher, information provider, and…

Traces the development of reference service in American libraries during the second half of the nineteenth century and examines the evolution of reference service in the Providence Public Library. The article focuses on how the distinctive features of reference service were conceived and merged into the current concept of reference service. (43…

Discussion of the role of library resources in the formulation of theatrical performance features the dramaturg, the professional researcher on a theater's staff. Topics include an empirical approach to performance; how theater artists use libraries; the dramaturg as model; researching the text; dramaturgical case studies; and relationships…

Discusses whether librarians should aim to give "answers" (attempt to answer information need) or "clues" (instruct user in use of information sources) when responding to users' questions. Peripheral factors concerning questions (when, how, where, why, what), cost and benefits, and approaches associated with academic library…

While revised ethical codes provide helpful guidelines, reference archivists face many ethical questions raised by rapidly evolving technology, changing expectations, and inconsistent privacy laws that have no clear answers. Discusses issues related to reference searching, codification of ethics, cultural property and the responsibility of…

Historical review covers: (1) the rise of research and research libraries, 1850-1900; (2) the genesis of reference service, 1875-95; (3) the growth of reference service in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (4) reference practices in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (5) legislative and municipal reference work, 1900-16; and (6) current trends…

Discussion of humanities research focuses on the humanist patron as author of the text. Highlights include the research process; style of expression; interpretation; multivocality; reflexivity; social validation; repatriation; the image of the library for the author; patterns of searching behavior; and reference librarian responses. (37…

Outlines the current socioeconomic conditions within the United States and explores the effect of these trends on libraries and information services. The resulting obstruction of information mediation is discussed, and recommendations for professionals seeking to maintain their role as information mediators are offered. (58 references) (LRW)

Discussion of library reference services and the conflict between richness (complexity) of services and the reach (number of users that can be served) focuses on information technology that is used in electronic commerce and available on the Internet. Discusses changing roles of libraries and networked information environments. (Author/LRW)

Reference librarians can offer much assistance for research on autobiographical accounts of the Holocaust, working in concert with faculty. This article reviews the state of Holocaust education in general, an academic reference department's role in student projects, and an overview of the wide variety of autobiographies that exist. (Author/AEF)

Presents ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) guidelines for library instruction and services for distance education. Highlights include the lack of service issues addressed in digital library discussions; distance students' characteristics; the library's role; and remote service to distance users. (Author/LRW)

Presents a fictional scenario of library reference service for the first part of the 21st century. Examines 10 major social trends for the 1990s; critiques services in terms of these trends and notes the library's role and the need to incorporate them into reference services. (Author/AEF)