This article enumerates factors which created demand for fee-based information service (commercial databases, competition for proprietary information in business world, effectiveness of librarians) and relates experiences at two public libraries. Sources of business, value of advertising, techniques of selling, and hiring and deployment of staff…

The purpose of this program is to create an environment which encourages both a change in library styles and priorities, and concomitantly, a change in the patterns of library use. (1 reference) (Author)

The emphasis in the Wabash project is on "gates" because the whole span of research opens through about eight different families of resource materials -- catalog, bibliography, encyclopedia, handbook, index, dictionary, abstract, book review source. (36 references) (Author)

Reports results of 1983 survey of 25 public libraries and 1981 survey of 11 public libraries, both of which focused on facets of online information services--user fees, databases, documentation, equipment, miscellaneous services, and subject areas searched. The 1983 questionnaire and seven sources are appended. (EJS)

Develops model of the reference interview which explicitly incorporates human information processing, particularly schema ideas presented by Marvin Minsky and other theorists in cognitive processing and artificial intelligence. Questions are raised concerning use of content analysis of transcribed verbal protocols as methodology for studying…

In an effort to accelerate in-depth use of its libraries by undergraduates, Brown University has designed a plan of bringing advanced graduate students, veterans of intensive summer training in reference work, into contact with the undergraduate library user. (2 references) (Author)

Discusses responses of 937 academic library directors who were surveyed to determine whether their libraries provide services to users outside academic community; whether outside users are charged fees; and what services are provided for fee. Extracts of information (services, staff, comments) received from ten universities are highlighted. Survey…

Outlines structural changes in the information supply community effected by the emergence of computer-searchable files as a major information resource together with other developments in electronic technology. Database definitions, interface differences, DuPont experiences, and options available to libraries and information centers are discussed.…

Provides overview of the establishment and acceptance of reference service in American library practice and outlines and documents changes in focus and emphasis by citing textbooks on reference services. Highlights include beginnings in 1876, communications and counseling, the 1970s, reconsiderations, and new emphasis and new models. Ninety-four…

Profile of a regional and subject oriented library networking experience in New Jersey focuses on the function of the Art Department of the Newark Public Library. Resource and reference services, categories of reference questions, interlibrary loans, photocopy service, and additional services are highlighted. Six sources are given. (EJS)

Identifies interacting principles of theory of library service and indicates nature of library policies, activities, and professional values upon which implementation of principles rests. Library users ("worthy" and "needy"), hierarchy of service functions (stimulation, guidance, instruction, information services, access,…

Profile of fee-based information services offered by the Information Exchange Center of Georgia Institute of Technology notes history and background, document delivery to commercial clients and on-campus faculty, online and manual literature searching, staff, cost analysis, fee schedule, operating methods, client relations, marketing, and current…

This profile of INFORM, the fee-based service offered by Minneapolis Public Library and Information Center, highlights its background, online search services and frequently used databases, major planning considerations (equipment, user aids, choice of vendor, training), internal operations (billing, purchasing items for clients), marketing, and…

Relates experiences of Center of Business Research (CBR) in C. W. Post Center, Long Island University, as practical demonstration of performing business service in an academic library setting. Changing role of librarians, background of CBR, CBR's commitment, CBR corporate membership, administration of fee-based services, and membership revenue are…

Notes the applicability of communication science theory to the reference process, particularly in areas involving human behavior, and discusses the roles of both verbal and nonverbal communication (body language, paralanguage, proxemics, and environmental factors) in the reference interview. Forty-one references are provided. (EJS)