Presents a chronological overview of the initiation and operation of the State University of New York at Albany library's computer-based reference services, with a discussion of costs, planning, organizational, and managerial considerations. (Author/CWM)

Data concerning online searching in the State University of New York (SUNY) Library System was obtained from a 50-question survey of the 63 SUNY libraries conducted in March 1983. A total of 52 surveys were completed. It was found that: 18 campuses offered inhouse online search services to their patrons, 15 additional campuses offered access to…

Since July 1978 the general reference section of the Pennsylvania State University library has compiled statistical information related to the use of online searching for reference purposes. An evaluation form completed by the librarian for each online reference search recorded such information as search date; status of requestor; printed sources…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit examines the current state of online services based upon the experiences of a select number of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries in the United States and Canada. Many of the kit documents were obtained during a survey of eight private institutions conducted for Duke…

Aspects of collection management of scientific and technical materials are discussed in 12 articles. Areas covered include academic science library collections; collection assessment of biotechnology literature; humanities and social science librarians in science-engineering libraries; editorial preparation of the "International Dictionary of…

Discusses changes in distance education and considers the resulting need for new types of library services. Topics include new Web-based contact center software; how to conduct virtual reference interviews; online reference service; the role of the physical library; staffing changes; and future possibilities, including impacts on costs of library…

This publication reports the results of the first annual survey of those Illinois academic libraries affiliated with the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET). It is noted that responses were received from 132 libraries, a 91 percent response rate. Information is presented on public use of academic library materials and services;…

This document reports the findings of a study group charged with reviewing the current and future prospects for database searching and electronic access to information in the Library of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Specific points of interest include factors influencing the demand for these services, costs of providing the services,…

Based on a study of the Free Library's current operations, including its financial support, expenditure, facilities, usage, staff, organizational structure, administrative proceedings, goals, objectives, and specific functions, a long-range plan for the library within the framework of Philadelphia's municipal finance limitations is developed. An…

Papers on Third World academic, research, and medical libraries and their role in scientific and technical information transfer, which were presented at the 1983 UNESCO/IFLA (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization/International Federation of Library Associations) seminar, include: (1) "Development of Effective…

Includes three articles: one reviews top stories from "Library Journal" regarding budget problems, salaries and recruitment, privacy, legal issues, virtual reference, electronic books, distance education, special libraries, and scholarly innovation; one discusses school library issues, including layoffs, Internet concerns, and…

Sixteen papers are presented which focus on microforms and data processing in library and information centers. Articles include discussions of cost analysis, decision making and program planning, library automation, information retrieval, indexing, cataloging, and computer services for libraries. (CH)