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)

Describes the introduction of an online searching service at the Phillips Memorial Library, Providence College (Rhode Island). Highlights include the acquisition of a microcomputer, vendor choice, cost considerations, setting up the workstation and establishing procedures, search sessions, and benefits to all elements of college community. Twelve…

This document details 28 policies and 37 procedures of the online searching service at the Indiana State University (ISU), Cunningham Memorial Library. Sixteen forms used in various aspects of the process are also included. The policies include but are not limited to the following: (1) the Database Search Service organization; (2) Database Search…

This report summarizes research undertaken at the Sterling C. Evans Library, Texas A & M University to assess the impact that end user information retrieval systems may have on library staff and users. Two systems, BRS/After Dark and Search Helper, were made available in the library for end user searching at no cost. A total of 260 users…

Discusses issues that managers of academic library electronic reference services are facing. Topics discussed include the quantity of mediated searches; organizational changes, i.e., who electronic services staff report to; management by committee; administrative options; changing job responsibilities of searchers and other staff members, both…

In academic libraries, online searching services and reference departments often have to compete for a share of financial and personnel resources. This paper examines how San Jose State University Library solved the problems of shrinking budgets, space constraints, and loss of trained searchers by integrating the online search service into the…

This examination of the philosophy and objectives of academic library reference services provides an overview of the major reference approaches to fulfilling the following primary objectives of reference services: (1) providing accurate answers to patrons' questions and/or helping patrons find sources to pursue their research needs; (2) building…

This program plan for online reference service--the individualized assistance provided to a library patron using an online system--at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, covers the areas of funding, eligibility for online services, search request eligibility, database eligibility, management of online services, reference faculty…

Prepared to provide guidance in the provision of reference service, this statement expresses the understanding between the library administration and the Reference Services Department of Ellis Library at the University of Missouri-Columbia concerning the manner in which the department's responsibilities are to be carried out. The procedures will…

For this kit, 106 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries were surveyed concerning: (1) current administration/organization; (2) evaluation; (3) patron relations; (4) services; and (5) the impact of online searching on collections. Responses were received from 83 libraries, many of which contributed sample materials. Analyses of…

Seven articles on library reference services highlight reference obsolescence in academic libraries, major studies of unobtrusive reference tests, methods for evaluating reference desk performance, reference interview evaluation, problems of reference desk control, online searching by end users, and reference collection development in…

These Proceedings of the Third Internet Librarian Conference include the following papers: (1) "Networking the Network: What Information Technology Fluency Can Do for You" (Jose Aguinaga, Kitty Little, and C.D. McLean); (2) "Moving Out of HTML into Database Solutions for the Web" (Kristin Antelman); (3) "Creating Your Own…