Describes a study that used a nonobtrusive methodology to determine the effectiveness of an information desk staffed by graduate students and nonprofessionals in an academic library. Relationships that were found between the level of staff members and the quality of reference services are described, and the implications for staffing patterns and…

Describes a study conducted at the Brigham Young University Library that examined the quality of reference service provided by students and department assistants, the adequacy of the training program, and the effectiveness of the system of referring patrons to subject specialist librarians. Recommendations for improving training programs and…

Provides a comparison of four database management programs commonly used in schools: AppleWorks, the DOS 3.3 and ProDOS versions of PFS, and MECC's Data Handler. Topics discussed include information storage, spelling checkers, editing functions, search strategies, graphs, printout formats, library applications, and HyperCard. (LRW)

Descriptions of the 12 specialized information centers of the National Agricultural Library (NAL) include subject coverage, information services provided, information technologies used, and staffing. The development of the Rural Information Center, a joint venture between the Extension Service and NAL to provide information services to local…

Discusses the ability of books to transmit nourishment to the mind and spirit, the importance of fostering reading skills and habits in young children, and the danger of subordinating language and books to inert machinery in education. The roles of parents, schools, libraries and society as a whole are explored. (CLB)

Describes the development of a computer assisted instruction (CAI) package for use in teaching basic aspects of legal research. The discussion covers implementation of effective CAI techniques, identification of learning principles applicable to the design of the program, and the feasibility of converting practical aspects of learning principles…

Reports results of a survey of American Library Association-accredited library school programs on placements and salaries of 1987 graduates. Data are presented on employment status; placements and salaries by region, school, and type of library; U.S. placements compared with Canadian placements; and effects of experience on salaries. (MES)

Provides eight fully developed library media activities to be used in conjunction with specific curriculum units in mathematics, physical education, reading/language arts, science, and social studies. Objectives, curriculum objectives, resources, instructional roles, activities and procedures for completion, evaluation, and follow-up are described…

Discusses the need for strong leadership in the library and information science professional community to deal effectively with the challenges and issues facing the profession. Topics covered include the qualities and responsibilities expected of leaders, the feasibility of teaching leadership skills, and the role of leaders in progress. (16…

Describes variations in current bibliographic databases in such areas as database organization, contents, authority control, and uses. The discussion covers the implications of these factors, optical disk technologies, and the Linked Systems Project for the future of national bibliographic databases. (nine references) (CLB)

This study used semantic differential scales to compare the perceptions of male librarians among undergraduates, graduate students, and university librarians. It was found that male librarians believe that they are viewed in a negative light, while other respondents reported positive perceptions of male librarians. (40 references) (Author/CLB)

Discussion of CD-ROM evaluation and selection processes focuses on a pairwise comparison method for knowledge acquisition with a consistency measure as a validation technique. Highlights include human experts' preferences and judgments; a CD-ROM selection model, including format, contents, usage, and technical considerations; and consistency…

Describes the results of a survey of senior managers in Canada that was conducted by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Western Ontario to estimate the employment demand for graduates in Information Management. Skills and qualifications judged to be important for Information Managers are discussed. (six…

Outlines several models for successful collaboration in planning, teaching, and evaluating by library media specialists and classroom teachers. Suggests strategies for promoting collaboration, stressing proactive contact with colleagues, administrators, and students to create awareness of and support for the library program. (JKP)

Describes the design philosophy of an architect who remodels and builds public libraries. Reviews the author's work on the Cohoes Public Library (New York) and the Saratoga Springs Public Library (New York). Discusses how architects create memorable public buildings by reading about and understanding sites, by working closely with communities, and…