Discusses collection development in research libraries and presents a model for organizing collection management that combines functional and team-based design principles. Traditional and new organization designs of university libraries are described, and collection development and management is defined in terms of reference and technical…

Examines the impact of library automation on collection development, and argues that collection development now requires information and expertise possessed by both public and technical services librarians. The need to adjust the library's organizational structure to facilitate this interaction is discussed. (28 notes with references) (CLB)

Based on the authors' experiences as catalog, reference, and network resources librarians, this paper examines traditional methods of operation and the emerging blending of duties and the effects on individuals and the profession. Examines changing demands on library users as a cause for the blurring lines. Concludes that catalogers and reference…

Reviews the literature on outcome-based education (OBE) and discusses its application in library instruction and reference service, particularly in the introduction of new information technologies. Suggests that an OBE approach in the planning stage can help determine if an information resource is beneficial to the users. (Author/LRW)

Library users' perceptions of the quality of interlibrary loan service are examined. Ten Greater Midwest Research Libraries Consortium members distributed surveys to patrons. Findings indicate patrons' satisfaction is minimally related to actual delivery speed; satisfaction and perceptions of timeliness are strongly correlated; a delivery speed of…

Discusses the future outlook for reference librarians, with topics including: "Technology as the Source of Change"; "Impact of the Internet"; "Defining the Virtual Library"; "Rethinking Reference"; "Out of the Library and into the Streets"; "Asking Users About Their Needs"; "Standardization and Artificial Intelligence"; "The Financial Future"; and…

Due to inaccuracies in method, public libraries consistently undermeasure their reference transactions. This article chronicles the process of developing ways to systematize the count. Results of a literature survey, merits of various sample sizes, sample selection, and calculations are all discussed. Appendices include a list of categories of…

Explores the requirements of archival information systems, as compared to existing library information systems, and suggests ways in which information technology may be used to create systems that accommodate both areas. (CLB)

Reviews common law contract and tort bases for malpractice liability and their applicability to reference librarians, special librarians, and information brokers. The discussion covers the legal bases for professional malpractice liability, the librarian-patron relationship, the likelihood of lawsuits, and the need for personal liability…

Argues that for librarianship to become the information profession in a changing society, the continuing education environment for librarians must be strengthened. Proposes that, rather than recruiting new blood, professional education must focus on developing skilled continuing education practitioners and develop strategies to ensure the…