Traces the development of reference service in American libraries during the second half of the nineteenth century and examines the evolution of reference service in the Providence Public Library. The article focuses on how the distinctive features of reference service were conceived and merged into the current concept of reference service. (43…

Discusses several topics related to teaching reference work: (1) a basis for teaching reference; (2) teaching theory; (3) practicing skills; (4) preparing students for the employment marketplace; (5) developing interpersonal skills; (6) bibliographic instruction; and (7) the library environment. (five references) (MES)

Examines the implications for library public services policy of standards-based and survey-based approaches. The significance of these theories in designing courses in public services for students of library science is considered. Appropriate measures of the success of services are also discussed. (18 references) (Author/MES)

The first part of this article reviews developments in Canadian legislative libraries since the 1960s, with emphasis on reference and research services. The second part is an annotated bibliography of looseleaf and newsletter services available from legislation, regulations, and legislative activities. (12 references) (MES)

Examines the issue of evaluation of information by librarians in reference services, comparing this aspect of reference with the evaluative decisions made in the selection process. It is argued that libraries should assume an evaluative role in order to help users sort through information and make wise decisions about what they need. (two…

Describes the facilities, collections, and services of the following special libraries in New York City: Shea and Gould Library; American Foundation for the Blind; Brooklyn Museum; Merrill Lynch Capital Markets Library; Public Relations of American Information Center; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and Brooklyn Public Library Business…

Describes the elements of a quality assurance (QA) program for special libraries, including one library's program and problem-solving model; the role of others in the library's program; types of recordkeeping; and integration of the program with organizational QA. Ten suggestions for establishing a QA program are offered. (6 references) (MES)

Idaho State University Library's experience shows how smaller libraries with limited resources can provide broad library services to distance faculty and students through the Internet, electronic information systems, and cooperation with other libraries. (Comments by Foster and Gaines are provided.) (SK)

A survey of synagogues in upstate New York was conducted to determine the success of their libraries despite minimal professional input. The areas of circulation, collection growth, staffing, hours of operation and cataloging practices were evaluated as indicators of success. Results showed that synagogue libraries are meeting the needs of their…

Discusses the integration of electronic ordering and document delivery and its implications for academic libraries. Reasons why libraries are developing such services are considered, including economics, service, and the growth of electronic publishing; and components are described, including electronic finding and ordering, electronic delivery,…

Provides an account of the activities of the Library Council of Papua New Guinea from its inception in 1975 to 1990. Highlights include background on the council, meetings of the council and membership, minutes and reports of ad hoc committees, work undertaken by the council, reports on projects, and commentaries on the council. (19 references)…

Describes the current concept of information literacy as a survival skill and suggests that public libraries can play an important role in its spread if they develop some nontraditional practices and make alliances with other agencies. (EAM)

The author reminisces about her tenure in children's services in the New York Public Library during the 1930s. She focuses on her memories of Anne Carroll Moore, the head of the children's department, and some of the other women she worked with, including Moore's successor, Frances Clarke Sayers. (MES)

Explores current patterns of recency, structure, intent, scaling, and planning and measurement in state library standards. Ways that four states--Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, and Ohio--have adapted basic standards elements are considered, and issues in linking planning and measurement to standards are discussed. (MES)

Stupp Teacher Resource Center at the Missouri Botanical Gardens serves as a resource to botanical gardens staff and to educators. A survey conducted in 1991 to determine whether the educational programs of the Stupp model were unique found that education programs in botanical gardens libraries are becoming more widespread and that their…