Identifies technological issues of nationwide networking, including computer processing, data storage and communication, software, data entry, and standards. Emphasized in a forecast of networking trends in the 1980s is the need for coordination of a central managing organization with the autonomous local libraries. (SW)

Describes the computer-based online system, UNBIS, developed for expanded reference and information services and to provide bibliographic control of United Nations document holdings. The report includes descriptions of current and future UNBIS information products. (RAA)

Identifies Internet sites that can be helpful to the business reference librarian confronted with questions regarding international trade. The sites for the major trade agreements are listed along with a currency exchange calculator that can handle date-specific historical conversions. (AEF)

Examines the creation of the Internet Public Library Reference Division in the historical context of librarians' efforts to integrate the use of technologies with reference services. Discussion considers ways that librarians have successfully incorporated new technologies and makes recommendations for use of the Reference Division and Internet…

Due to inaccuracies in method, public libraries consistently undermeasure their reference transactions. This article chronicles the process of developing ways to systematize the count. Results of a literature survey, merits of various sample sizes, sample selection, and calculations are all discussed. Appendices include a list of categories of…

Examines the potential threat of malpractice litigation against librarians involved in the reference process. Topics include the relationship between the librarian and the user, the level of service, expectations placed on the information provider, and legal precedents in information delivery. (Author/LRW)

While revised ethical codes provide helpful guidelines, reference archivists face many ethical questions raised by rapidly evolving technology, changing expectations, and inconsistent privacy laws that have no clear answers. Discusses issues related to reference searching, codification of ethics, cultural property and the responsibility of…

Includes 6 articles that discuss the National Digital Information Infrastructure Preservation Program at the Library of Congress; metadata in digital libraries; integrated reference services on the Web. (LRW)

Illustrates how server usage statistics, email reference queries, and usability heuristics can be applied to create a more user-centered ready reference Web site, one that balances design, content, and functionality. Describes how the University of Washington redesigned their reference tools Web page to better meet user needs. (Author/LRW)

Describes a program developed at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) libraries that moved librarians from the centralized main library to college departments that are not served by branch libraries. Topics include remote access capabilities; librarians' roles, including reference librarian, instructor, Web master,…

Provides background on concept mapping and discusses concept maps drawn by library science graduate students in a reference and information services course. Applications of concept mapping of significance to librarians--in reference service, instruction, and research--are considered. Several sample concept maps are included. (19 references) (MES)

Historical review covers: (1) the rise of research and research libraries, 1850-1900; (2) the genesis of reference service, 1875-95; (3) the growth of reference service in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (4) reference practices in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (5) legislative and municipal reference work, 1900-16; and (6) current trends…

Provides the background and outline of a one-day workshop on reference evaluation which integrates the elements of goals, objectives, and mission statements with output measurements from the point of view of reference service. Practical exercises to accompany such a workshop are suggested. (five references) (MES)

Describes the external mode library and information science program at Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education (Australia), with emphasis on the practical component of reference work in the external mode. Problems associated with teaching reference work at a distance and the future of teaching in this mode are discussed. (12 references)…

Lists guidelines for education, experience, level of knowledge/skill, and general reference ability to be considered in selecting public library online searching staff. Content of staff development programs is outlined in three areas: (1) general orientation; (2) training in the fundamentals of online searching; and (3) online searcher development…