Discusses service standards (level of excellence or adequacy in performance of library service) and their incorporation in the accreditation process for hospital library service and academic health sciences libraries. The certification program developed for health sciences librarians by the Medical Library Association is reviewed. Fifty-nine…

Discusses the impact of local online databases on library reference services, including their integration with remote files such as Dialog, Orbit, and the Information Bank. Online catalog databases, multiple local databases (analytics for journal articles, indexes), and batch processing of data are noted. Six references are cited. (EJS)

Provides overview of the materials available for the reference librarian on the topic of online services. General works and introductions, bibliographies, directories, periodicals, articles on specific topics, and online catalogs are covered. Forty-five references are included. (EJS)

Identifies leading issues in academic reference service based on survey of literature with emphasis on 1970s and 1980s--bibliographic instruction, computer-based reference and biliographic services, personnel-related topics (specialists, generalists, professional development, nonprofessionals in reference service), measurement and evaluation, and…

Describes Reflink, a system based on sophisticated information retrieval techniques which is housed in a small microcomputer, and its predecessor, Reference Librarian Enhancement System (REFLES). The systems are placed in a conceptual framework involving stable and dynamic information, and several illustrations of multiple uses are presented. Four…

A sample of library-output statistics measuring circulation, reference, and in-library use was collected from 76 libraries and tested for redundancy, correlation, and variation using time-series analysis to test the Relative Fidelity of Measurement Model (RFM). The 275 sample statistics correlated in an unpredicted pattern. Twenty-three sources…

Introduces four models of data library development for meeting information needs for machine-readable data files--University of Florida facility, University of British Columbia Data Library, Data and Program Library Service at University of Wisconsin, and online numeric Kentucky Economic Information System at University of Kentucky. Four…

Discussion of the organization of the University of British Columbia Data Library jointly operated by the University Library and Computing Center covers historical development, collections policy, composition of the collection, technical services, user services, and current issues. Six references are cited. (EJS)

Analysis of one component of library reference service--online numeric database systems for time-series data--reviews tradition of reference service and ways in which computer technology has enhanced provision of library services. Experiences with Kentucky Economic Information System (KEIS) are described. Examples of KEIS and 30 references are…

Examines five factors critical to the successful functioning of search analysts as reference librarians: professional training, background knowledge and working experience in references services, personality characteristics and interpersonal skills, the marketing of online services, and patron evaluations supplemented by postsearch reference…

Examines the role of the public library in providing outreach services to migrant farm workers, citing experiences of three public library systems in the areas of information and referral, bookmobiles, and funding. Physical and psychological inaccessibility are discussed. Three references are cited. (EJS)

Discusses use of computer programs in handling such library tasks as cataloging, inventory, and circulation. Reviews several programs and provides a listing of available library software. These include library catalog programs, circulation/overdues programs, and inventory control. (JN)

Discusses rise of videotex and teletext systems (delivery of graphic and textual information through electronic systems) in the United States, noting the role of libraries and librarians in providing these services. Corporate involvement, U.S. markets, library reference services, and major issues confronting growth are noted. Two references are…

Presents the results of a study on data collection instruments, specifically questionnaires, used by libraries in evaluating resource use and institutional effectiveness. A number of causes for inconsistent survey results are identified and problems with imprecision in survey question terminology are discussed. (JL)

Briefly looks at the present use of computers in library reference service for bibliographic database searching, then surveys the future as indicated by recent developments and ongoing research. Cooperative online reference, local databases, and increasing ease of online information retrieval are discussed. Included are 40 references. (Author/JL)