For the past several years academic libraries have been adopting discovery systems to provide a search experience that reflects user expectations and improves access to electronic resources. University of Houston Libraries has kept pace with this evolving trend by pursuing various discovery options; these include an open-source tool, a federated…

Millions of books from public libraries and private collections have been scanned by various organizations in the last decade. The motivation is to preserve the written human heritage in electronic format for durable storage and efficient access. The information buried in these large book collections has always been of major interest for scholars…

The cataloging of otherwise unprocessed collections is an innovative minimal processing technique with important implications for reference service. This article mines the existing literature for how institutions engaged in minimal processing view reference, the strengths and weaknesses of catalog records as finding aids, and information about…

Search strategies and library reference materials are suggested for retrieving literature on general business topics, industries, and specific companies. Guidelines provided for each area include getting an overview through general sources, finding books and periodical and newspaper articles, and locating statistics. Reference materials listed…

This guide for conducting library research on topics in art or the work of a particular artist presents suggestions for utilizing four categories of resources: books, dictionaries and encyclopedias, indexes, and a periodicals and serials list (PASL). Three topics are researched as examples: the contemporary artist and author Frank Stella, the…

This guide for conducting library research on topics in architecture or on the work of a particular architect presents suggestions for utilizing four categories of resources: books, dictionaries and encyclopedias, indexes, and a periodicals and series list (PASL). Two topics are researched as examples: the contemporary architect Richard Meier, and…

Describes two search models for school libraries. Models include searches defined by the student but conducted by a trained searcher, and student-conducted searches which teach search skills. Decisions about which model (or combination) to use should be based on the available resources and the purposes for conducting the search. (AEF)

This paper analyzes proposals for augmenting library bibliographic records for improved subject searching in online catalogs by providing access to parts of books. Arguments for and against adding book content indexing, possible fields for enrichment, and feasibility of 11 alternatives for providing such information are presented. Twenty-two…

Describes resources to use for biology questions and provides search strategies for reference questions involving specific nomenclature. Highlights include nomenclature; common names versus scientific names; locating books and journal articles; and core reference sources. (Author/AEF)

Explains why the Internet is not replacing libraries. Highlights include the lack of substantive material that is available; problems with finding what is there; the lack of quality control; physical difficulties with reading electronic texts; high costs of digitizing; and lack of access to older material. (LRW)

This eighth part in a series of articles on Web-based reference providers focuses on subscription databases. Topics include training needs; keeping teachers informed about new databases; costs; information retrieval techniques; free information from the Internet versus paying for use; information vendors; and the need for printed reference…

Discussion of ready reference and current events collections in high school libraries focuses on a comparison of two CD-ROM services, EBSCO Topic Search and the SIRS Researcher. Considers licensing; access; search strategies; viewing articles; currency; printing; added value features; and advantages of CD-ROMs. (LRW)

A method is defined for library cataloging of magnetic tape files. The needs of the reference librarian and the patron are taken into consideration, as well as the particular requirements inherent in the form of material. Basically, the catalog record must serve three functions: (1) it must present a conventional and approachable record of library…

Presents two aids to help students grasp the importance of controlled vocabulary in making the dual connection between search statement and access tool and between access tool and library material: (1) a fishing metaphor comparing strategies for fishing and searching databases with controlled vocabulary; and (2) a matrix that allows students to…

Reports results of a material-availability study in which library users were surveyed to determine their success in obtaining materials. Both OPAC users and CD-ROM journal-index users were studied and transaction logs verified their self reports. Recommendations for reducing search failures are discussed. (Author)