Describes a one-year experiment with collective management--i.e., management in which decision-making rests with the department as a whole--in the Oberlin College Library reference department. The planning process, problems, and advantages and disadvantages of this style of management are discussed. Several questions are raised about the…

Discussion of humanities research focuses on the humanist patron as author of the text. Highlights include the research process; style of expression; interpretation; multivocality; reflexivity; social validation; repatriation; the image of the library for the author; patterns of searching behavior; and reference librarian responses. (37…

A survey designed to ascertain user expectations and satisfaction with interlibrary loan service was conducted in 1992 of a 20% sample of interlibrary loan users at Middleton Library of Louisiana State University. Findings indicated a high level of user satisfaction. (Author/JKP)

Discusses the integration of Standard General Markup Language, Hypertext Markup Language, and MARC format to parse classified analytical bibliographies. Use of the resulting electronic knowledge constructs in local library systems as maps of a specified subset of resources is discussed, and an example is included. (LRW)

Describes the development of a Young Teens Advisory Board (YTAB) at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library in Shirley, New York. Reviews the progress the group has made from its formation in 1987 to the present and describes programs and events organized by the YTAB to bring sixth, seventh, and eighth graders into the library. (JMV)

The history of the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) of the American Library Association is traced from the creation of the individual adult and reference service divisions through the merger that formed RASD. Focuses on the origin, structure, and activities of the division and on the individuals responsible for the development of RASD.…

Provides a historical overview of library cooperative efforts, the roles identified for the cooperative library organizations and their members, and associated services. Examines the contributions that rural libraries make toward cooperation among all types of libraries and identifies challenges for rural libraries participating in networks in the…

This proceedings contains the introduction, keynote address, panel discussion, and four papers. Topics include: role of the library and librarians in the information age, the librarian as information consultant, marketing the library to the parent organization, ownership versus access, and financial realities of providing information services in…

The history of user evaluation of reference service is traced and related to other methods of reference evaluation, including librarian self-reports of success, behavioral guidelines, and observation. The advantages and disadvantages of user-report methodology are considered. (Author/AEF)

Discusses cooperation between public libraries and schools and describes programs developed by the Chandler (AZ) Public Library Youth Services department for teachers, including longer check-out periods for library materials and a telephone service to hold materials for pick-up. (LRW)

Outlines the history of the National Library Service (NLS) for the blind and physically handicapped. The nature of the collection and services provided are discussed, including formats available (such as large print, flexible disk, audio cassette, braille); monthly and bimonthly publications announcing available texts; application procedures for…

Reviews the development of codes of ethics for library reference service and the deficiencies of the code approach; surveys published case studies and hypothetical situations on the issue of unbiased service; and proposes a value-based approach that clarifies the real conflicts and leads to personal decision-making. (34 references) (LRW)

Presents a formerly homeless man's account of his experiences in the Boston Public Library. The Kreimer v. Morristown case is briefly discussed; the author's use of the library while he was homeless is described, including patron reactions; and the employed author's reactions to a homeless patron are related. (LRW)

Discusses the diverse client base served by the Wayne State University Law Library (Michigan) which includes secondary school students, undergraduates, paralegals, law students, attorneys, faculty, the general public, court reporters, legal secretaries, and librarians. An information service center and research guides developed to serve patron…

Discusses information literacy and describes activities under the sponsorship of the National Forum on Information Literacy (NFIL) that promotes information literacy in schools and libraries. Activities of member organizations of the NFIL are described, including policy formation, publications, and programs; and the role of the American Library…