Discusses the importance of machine-readable data files (MRDF) in social sciences reference exchange and provides examples of their use in typical library settings. Access to and available MRDF are described. Nine references are included. (EJS)

Examines the value premises underlying the "information versus instruction" debate in reference librarianship in light of the technological design issues now facing librarianship. Economic and technological developments that may affect the future of reference services are described. A 32-item reference list is included. (Author/JL)

Explanation of enhancements of a new version of the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN II)--originally called BALLOTS-- focuses on reference applications of what is primarily a technical processing system, e.g., complementing searches, verification, union catalog, and interlibrary loan. Illustrative examples are provided. (EJS)

Summarizes automation of a specialized library at Apple Computer, Inc., describing software packages chosen for the following functions: word processing/text editing; cataloging and circulation; reference; and in-house databases. Examples of each function and additional sources of information on software and equipment mentioned in the article are…

Reviews the benefits and disadvantages of online searching in the context of cooperative reference network services. The cost effectiveness of centralization of online information retrieval services, problems associated with doing searches at the network level, and subsidizing search services are discussed. (Author/JL)

Considers the use of nonbibliographic databases, also known as source files, as an information service supplied to library users and notes commercially produced databases, brokerage firms offering a variety of small databases, community resource files, differences between use of bibliographic and non-bibliographic databases including fees, and…

Discusses the need to educate the library's professional reference staff in online searching so that subsequent training on the job will be more effective. (FM)

Describes a study conducted at Purdue University Library to determine not only the costs of providing online information services to users, but the value of time saved by the end user in having a computer search run and user satisfaction with the results. Six references are listed. (RBF)

Discusses a survey conducted by "Online Review" and the responses to the questionnaire by 7,000 individual users of online services. Information collected on the 497 organizations represented includes their nature, size and interest area, equipment and services used, future plans of online users, and the profile of typical terminal…

Outlines the operations of the computer search service at the University of Ottawa, including the clientele served and the nature of the service as a research adjunct to reference; publicity and statistics; physical layout; and systems and databases available for online searching. An annotated list of available databases is appended. (FM)

Deals with the interaction of traditional library reference and the new services generated by online information retrieval capabilities. Described are the impact of online reference within the library context, problems resulting from implementation, and the librarian's influence on future prospects. (Author/SW)

Explains that library reference personnel usually need to be increased as library instruction flourishes, that staff should be carefully evaluated in order to detect incompetencies, and that all library staff should be recognized for their contributions in order to maximize the effectiveness of the program. (CWM)

Describes the databases available to Canadian libraries through the Canadian Selective Dissemination of Information (CAN/SDI) Program: Library of Congress/MARC tapes, ERIC, Social Science Citation Index, and Psychological Abstracts. The CAN/SDI program is useful for the school librarian and teacher in the special profiles and online retrospective…

Summarizes the development of the Computer-Aided Reference Services (CARS) division of the University of Utah Libraries' reference department. Development, organizational structure, site selection, equipment, management, staffing and training considerations, promotion and marketing, budget and pricing, record keeping, statistics, and evaluation…

Presents a chronological overview of the initiation and operation of the State University of New York at Albany library's computer-based reference services, with a discussion of costs, planning, organizational, and managerial considerations. (Author/CWM)