Raises questions about influence of present reference practice on library user perceptions of the librarian as information intermediary and on user ability to distinguish between librarians and other staff. Questions are discussed within context of client-professional relationship, using data from study of users of three midwestern university…

Statistical analysis of data evaluating the effects of a bibliographic instruction program on college students' library-related behavior--changes in library usage, attitude toward libraries and librarians, understanding of basic library skills--indicates that students scored significantly higher on posttest than on pretest. Sample test questions…

The effective use of research assignments with student-centered resources involves three steps: (1) identifying specific student resources, (2) designing an action research assignment, and (3) teaching students to effectively use research skills. Each of these steps is discussed. (RM)

Presents results of five experiments on human information-seeking behavior in different online information-seeking environments which studied search strategies and assessed information value in realistic search environments. A conceptual model of how humans value information is presented. Empirical and modeling results are considered for…

Description of 17 experiments on effects of headings in written text focuses on heading position and form and nature of task (free recall, searching unfamiliar text, and retrieval from familiar text). Results indicate heading position had no effect but both heading forms aided recall, search, and text information retrieval. (MBR)

Presents overview of two studies (1981, 1984) investigating the status of automation in U.S. community college learning resources centers (LRCs). Factors leading to automation, current level of automation, LRC organizational structure, attitudes toward and perceived constraints on automated services, consortium participation, hardware options, and…

This paper develops alternative ways of measuring shortages of mathematics and science teachers, and it reviews the evidence based on these alternative measures. Two factors contributing to such shortages are the placement of recent qualified graduates outside of teaching and the misassignment of certified graduates who go into teaching.…

Controlled experiments conducted to compare effectiveness of enhanced experimental computer intermediary system, CONIT, with that of human expert intermediary search specialists indicate that experimental intermediary techniques are now capable of providing search assistance whose effectiveness at least approximates that of human intermediaries in…

Determines book obsolescence rates for instructional departments within university by analyzing annual library's circulation and relating patterns of library use to curricular programs. Immediacy and intensity of peak usage, use dispersion, and commonality of use were used to develop acquisition priority weighting formula. Twenty-two sources and…

Using the diary as the data-gathering instrument and a sample of 25 students, answers were sought to questions on ways students use teaching materials provided to them, especially in relation to use of time, range of materials consulted, self-assessment activities undertaken, and sequence in which materials were studied (8 references). (Author/MBR)

Model for evaluation of library reference services examines four elements of reference process: librarians' performance on requests for factual information; knowledge of library policies, procedures, or services; provision of bibliographical instruction; and performance of interviewing techniques. Reference service questionnaire, criteria for…

Description of classification schemes for fiction book retrieval covers traditional methods, universal systems, special systems, genre systems, and development of the AMP-classification system based on multidimensional analysis of users' requests (subject matter, setting, author's intention, accessibility). Trial applications and retrieval tests,…

Reports on an attempt to relate academic models of urban communities to actual housing and community development for a student population of mixed graduate/advanced undergraduate levels and anthropology/urban studies majors. (CJM)

A major change in the pattern of U.S. research on higher education is occurring, characterized by more emphasis on state policy, institutional type, and issues shared by institutions. Methodology is broadening to include more historic, ethnographic, and qualitative research as well as quantitative study. (MSE)

Study of secondary school pupils' reactions to viewing careers education materials in which people were shown in occupations traditionally associated with the opposite sex found that young adolescents viewing counter-stereotyped programs were no less stereotyped in career beliefs. Results are discussed in terms of resilience of sex role in…