Proposes three methods to be used by database searchers in structuring online search sessions with the goal of minimizing the negative effects on interlibrary loan operations. Forms management, management of printed search results, and the instruction of patrons are discussed. (Author/EM)

Compares OCLC, WLN, and RLIN in terms of the composition of the databases, indexes and searching, special uses for public services, costs, and documentation. Selected bibliographies of general public service uses and interlibrary loan applications are provided. (CLB)

Reports on in-house use of online services at the Maine State Library for searches not specifically requested by client or initiated by staff member to advance job flow. Use of TALIMAINE service for interlibrary loan verification, document delivery, book selection, and staff development, and client breakdown for 1983-1984 are described. (EJS)

Symposium on staff training in the automated library environment includes discussions of (1) an environmental approach to training; (2) training reference staff for automation in a transitional environment; (3) training for ILLINET Online; (4) training systemwide on MELVYL MEDLINE; (5) vendor training of library staff; and (6) training for support…

Discusses the use of electronic mail for reference services and investigates systems in health sciences libraries and in academic libraries. The use of electronic mail for services including interlibrary loan, online search requests, literature searches, photocopies or other document delivery, reference questions, and purchase requests is…

Outlines the advantages of the Internet for special and reference librarians. Describes the purpose and operation of four electronic discussion lists--BUSLIB-L, MEDLIB-L, LIBREF-L, and STUMPERS-L--noting that the interactions provide the greatest benefits to librarians both for reference service and discussion of common interests and problems.…

Reports the results of a survey that examined the role of small university libraries in Canadian communities. The discussion covers services currently available to communities, areas in which services could be improved or extended, and the benefits to be gained by both the library and the community. (19 references) (Author/CLB)

A training manual created by a reference librarian at Kent State University who was responsible for training and supervising graduate library science students for reference work, this handbook is offered as a guide to librarians for developing a training program for preprofessionals or nonprofessionals who work at a library reference desk. The…

This introduction to the library system at the College of Wooster in Ohio advises the user to keep a number of goals in mind in order to become an effective library user: (1) get to know the librarians and special assistants and how each can be of service; (2) learn the layout of the building and locations of the various service departments and…

Describes the totally electronic library that serves Jones International University which provides Internet-delivered courses leading to bachelor's or master's degrees in Business Communication. Discuses accreditation and describes library services, including bibliographic instruction, reference, document delivery, interlibrary loan, and…

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…

Examines the effects of compact disk technology on a medium-sized academic library. Statistical data before and after the acquisition of compact disk indexes are compared in the areas of staff training; librarians' teaching loads; reference desk activity; periodicals acquisition, use, and retention; interlibrary loan activity; and online…

The widespread implementation of search protocols, primarily Z39.50, in combination with the spread of the World Wide Web makes possible a high degree of integration and standardization of search services. This paper describes a project which seeks to combine in a seamless fashion the searching of periodical indexes and library OPACs with document…

This study examines 104 articles on the fee versus free controversy in libraries, written primarily between the years of 1992 and 1997. The content analysis assesses the types of libraries that charges fees--academic, public, school, or special; who is charged--everyone, businesses and their personnel, law firms and lawyers; and what services the…

This policy manual of Jacksonville State University's Houston Cole Library serves as a statement of the library's mission, goals, and objectives; an interpretive guide for library faculty, staff, and students; and informational document for library patrons concerning the library's programs and policies. The contents include the following:…