Discusses the incorporation of CD-ROM technology into Georgia State University's William Russell Pullen Library, and considers its impact on reference services and bibliographic instruction. Concludes that technology increases the need for critical thinking skills, faculty-librarian interaction, and human resources for reference and technical…

The purpose of these guidelines is to assist librarians in providing students and faculty with appropriate information about computerized sources of information, particularly national online and compact disc (CD-ROM) databases. The guidelines offer ideas for brief, medium-length, and long presentations on the use of online searches, including…

Reports the results of a survey of 38 librarians with expertise in training CD-ROM users that examined why and how patrons use CD-ROM, what end-users need to know about searching CD-ROM, and preferred teaching methods. The effects of training CD-ROM users on reference services and staff are also discussed. (CLB)

The Machine Readable Collections Reading Room of the Library of Congress is described with an emphasis on the reference assistance required and how it compares with assistance required in other areas of the Library of Congress. The interaction between users and librarians is shown to be like that of bibliographic instruction. (EAM)

Examines the use of CD-ROMs by undergraduates within the larger context of the debate over what constitutes reference service. The author argues that technology has sidetracked reference librarians and that electronic resources have increased the need for a thorough reference interview and bibliographic instruction. (20 references) (KRN)

Describes principles underlying the development of guides for electronic indexes such as the Catholic Periodical and Literature Index (CPLI): begin with basic steps, keep it simple, answer questions most frequently asked, be consistent, emphasize search techniques that use the strengths of the index. Includes a copy of the guide for the CPLI on…

Identifies the questions librarians should ask before adopting local online, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM and site database systems. User reactions to local online are discussed and the impact of such systems on reference services and the reference librarian's job content are examined. (CLB)

This survey of library patrons gathered data about training needs and methodologies for CD-ROM users. Data from 87 inexperienced CD-ROM users and 31 experienced users were analyzed. Patrons especially wanted training in search strategy, procedures, Boolean logic, and equipment. Females rated the importance of training higher than males, and…

Briefly discusses six issues related to the use of CD-ROM in libraries and provides sources of information on each issue. The issues discussed are pricing and costs; user preferences for CD-ROM; networking as a means of meeting high demand for CD-ROM; media options; strategic planning to meet demands; and bibliographic instruction. (10 references)…

Discusses trends in library reference services, focusing on the needs of the individual user. Highlights include the effects of CD-ROM; the growth of online systems; tiered reference service structures; roving reference librarians; going out to users; user studies; and bibliographic instruction. (LRW)

Discusses topics related to the introduction of CD-ROM databases at the Hahnemann University library, including hardware and software, staff training, changes in workload, access and promotion of the service, bibliographic instruction, and public response. Tables listing basic knowledge and protocol for assisting users, a user questionnaire, and…

Argues that, because of its meteoric entrance into the library marketplace, too few institutions have reviewed the implications of CD-ROM before making their purchases. Issues that need to be considered are discussed, including funding, costs, equipment requirements, optimal locations for workstations, security and viruses, human resources, user…

Discussion of the use of CD-ROMs in academic library reference departments focuses on types of instruction librarians can offer and their possible impact on other reference services. Classroom instruction versus point-of-use instruction is compared, and implications for librarians and library management are considered. (Contains 23 references.)…

The objectives of this study were to develop comparative research data on two library instruction methods in order to improve student skills in collecting information, evaluating material critically, and communicating effectively through writing, as well as to evaluate a methodology for the assessment of library instruction. The traditional…

Reports on the development, practice, and success of instructional methods for teaching CD-ROM use which were explored at the Wayne State University Library. Results of a preliminary survey designed to evaluate user reaction to CD-ROM products are presented. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (MES)