"Embracing the chaos" is an ongoing challenge for librarians. Embracing the chaos means librarians must have a plan for responding to the flood of new products, widgets, web tools, and gizmos that students use daily. In this article, the author argues that library instruction and access services have been grappling with that chaos with…

This article provides a brief history of the development of library subject guides (often referred to as pathfinders) from the late 1800s to the present. During this period, subject guides have changed both their focus and format. The needs of academic institutions at the turn of the 20th century were very different than they are today, and…

Presents five papers from the American Library Association's June 27, 1992, conference session, "The Right to Know: Will Changing Our Instruction Methods Empower the Public," in which panelists debate the design and impact of bibliographic instruction and the provision of reference services in academic and high school libraries. (EA)

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)

This proceedings of the 1986 conference of the Association of College and Research Libraries contains 60 papers--44 position papers, 7 research reports, and 9 idea briefs--dealing with the issue of transitions facing librarians and ways to respond to these transitions through both formal and informal means. Papers are organized under eight broad…

The first article discusses how recent changes in both the academic library and the computing center have aligned their separate missions and functions. The second examines the roles of the reference librarian and the computing center in providing assistance and instruction in electronic information resources to library users. (CLB)

Discusses the evolution of GIS (geographic information systems) services and the roles that reference and public services professionals may play in providing this technology to users: developing collections to incorporate GIS; providing access to spatial information and software tools; and facilitating intellectual access to GIS concepts and…

Argues that the prevalence of computer searching in the academic library has redefined bibliographic instruction and that hands-on instruction in a computer classroom or laboratory setting addresses student needs better than lecture demonstrations. Calls for librarians to actively seek out hands-on opportunities and to keep communication lines…

Examines four areas of planning for libraries before incorporating CD-ROM reference systems: (1) hardware, including a microcomputer, CD-ROM reader, and printer; (2) databases; (3) search and retrieval software; and (4) user education. (3 references) (MES)

Discusses ways instruction librarians can use the World Wide Web to serve students in the classroom, at the reference desk, in distance education, and as a self-directed learning tool. Outlines how the Web can function as a desktop publishing system, revitalize subject pathfinders and "how-to" guides, and promote the invention of interactive…

The new roles that reference librarians are being asked to play require that reference librarians should be given clear budgetary and programmatic authority; placed closer to the top of the organization; relieved of nonprofessional tasks; brought out of isolated departments; allowed to plan services and set priorities. (Contains 56 references.)…

These proceedings contain 21 research reports and 56 position papers as well as capsule descriptions of 32 workshop forums, panel presentations, and group discussions that took place at the conference. The papers are organized into nine broad subject areas: (1) academic and research librarianship (recruitment, technology and change, faculty…

Discussion of the influence of technological developments on social change focuses on the effects of information technology on academic reference librarianship. Highlights include reference skills; electronic resources; microcomputer technology; online catalogs; interaction and communication with users; the need to teach information skills; and…

The complexity of the information environment, and more uncontrolled distribution and access, lead to new issues for users. Reference services, with a stronger instructional role, must become more proactive in providing a fully developed repertoire of services responsive to the multifaceted queries facing librarians today. (Contains 31…

Reflects on the professional roles and responsibilities as well as opportunities and challenges facing academic reference librarians in light of new technology. Discusses services to undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty; empowering users; library instruction; information literacy; information technology; electronic information; building…