Accountable Reference Librarians

No abstract available for this article.     

Evaluating Reference Librarians

No abstract available for this article.     

Economics Internet Sites for Reference Librarians

Abstract

This article is a guide to selective Economics reference internet sites. Included are sections on statistical resources, working papers and other sites of interest to economists.     

Reference Librarians and Technical Services Librarians:

The relationship between reference librarians and technical services librarians has often been strained. In our changing technological and organizational environment, it is imperative that reference librarians and technical services librarians share responsibility for improving this relationship. One way for this to take place is for individuals to become more "accountable" to their colleagues. This article provides accountability guidelines for both reference and technical services librarians which, if followed, can result in increased communication and a better understanding of the roles, concerns, and needs of both reference and technical services librarians.     

Academic Reference Librarians:

Declining levels of financial support for public institutiom, such as colleges and universities in particular, have resulted in reduced staffing in academic libraries. Concurrently, libraries are besi.eged with greater demands from the academic community for access to and instruction in electronic information resources such as the :Internet Emerging organizational structures of academic libraries is discussed Core competencies for academic reference librarians are then1 identified and discussed. 'lhese include a flexible attitude and approach towards technology. a high tolerance for rapid change in technology, creativity, curiosity, communication skills, public relations savvy, and the ability to effectively relate to a diverse clientele.     

Reference Librarians/Educators

Summary

Reference librarian roles are evolving in today's rapidly changing environment. Values that have shaped and guided our profession thus far are discussed, and the rigors of working at a general reference desk are portrayed. Information overload, the demands of the information age, general societal trends, and new technologies are credited with shaping service directions. Strategies for maintaining professional competence and currency are presented, and emerging roles are profiled.     

Educating Reference Librarians:

A basic reference course for library school students needs to include more than information about specific reference sources. Employers expect graduates to bring flexibility and creativity to the solving of reference questions in a variety of library settings, many of which do not enjoy collections containing the titles the students memorized in class. Graduates also need skills in the evaluation and selection of reference tools, staff, and services; knowledge of the organization and administration of a reference department and how it relates to other departments; and facility in the application of current reference strategies and techniques. A sample course syllabus incorporating these concepts is suggested.     

Academic Reference Librarians:

No abstract available for this article.     

"学科馆员"制度与"参考馆员"制度的比较

图书馆服务工作对参考馆员和学科馆员的素质和能力要求很相似,但两者的发展历史、服务对象、职责与素质要求又有着一定的差别。本文试图分析这两种制度的异同,提出当今我国图书馆需在参考馆员制度的基础上尽快建立学科馆员制度,形成与参考馆员制度互相配合、互为补充的信息咨询服务体系。     

Master Reference Librarians for a New Age

Summary

In 1990 the authors conducted interviews with “Master” reference librarians in an effort to determine if these librarians shared traits which could be used to predict success in the field of reference Hbrarianship. From these interviews a list of eight shared characteristics was developed. In the six intervening years, reference collections and reference work have changed greatly and the authors began to wonder if the list of characteristics remained valid in the electronic reference world. Interviews with “New Age Masters” were used to determine which characteristics were still valid and to identify any new traits needed to succeed. The librarians were also asked to speculate on the future of reference Hbrarianship.     

Reference Librarians as Teachers:

No abstract available for this article.     

Communicating Across Cultures for Reference Librarians Who Supervise

Both student and employee populations have become more culturally diverse. Reference librarians, who have been proactive in communicating with culturally diverse clients, need to increase their supervisory communication skills to effectively manage their departments.     

The Reality of Reference: Responsibilities and Competencies for Current Reference Librarians

Academic reference services face great challenges as they cope with the pace of technological change, competition from other information service providers, and tight budgets. In fact, some critics suggest that reference services are no longer relevant or necessary as more information moves online. This study examines a nationwide survey that reveals that reference librarians are indeed engaged in a wide variety of activities requiring a range of competencies and skills. Results of this study suggest that reference services are not dying but are evolving, with most academic reference librarians engaged in multifunction positions involving both traditional and nontraditional reference activities.     

The Professional Development of Reference Librarians

Abstract

Professional activities can have a profound impact on the professional development of reference librarians in all types of libraries. This article discusses the positive impacts that research and publication, conference attendance and presentations at professional association meetings, and service activities have on the professional development and growth of reference librarians. Also included are practical tips and strategies for becoming more involved in these professional development activities.     

The Internet and Reference Librarians:

This paper examines the efforts of the McGill University Humanities and Social Sciences Library Reference staff to integrate the use of resources found on the hernet with traditional reference duties. It also discusses the Internet instruction workshops designed and implemented by reference staff to help librarians and the university community understand and navigate the Internet. The relationship with McGill's Computing Centre and Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology is examined and a case is made for increased collaboration with other areas concerning Internet instruction and use. Lastly, the proactive role of reference staff concerning the introduction of the Internet to other library staff and to the university community is also discussed.     

Consumer Health Reference Interview: Ideas for Public Librarians

This two-stage study seeks to help public librarians become better prepared, and more confident and competent, when answering medical/health questions. At the first stage, eleven barriers that public librarians often encounter in the consumer health reference interview were identified through a comprehensive literature review, and at the second stage, input from professional consumer health librarians on how to overcome the barriers was gathered via a qualitative survey. Findings of the study provide concrete and practical strategies that will help public librarians more successfully conduct the reference interview to assist library users in their health information-seeking journey.     

参考馆员之科技压力

本文在给出科技压力、参考馆员科技压力定义及病症的基础上，从绩效焦虑、信息超载、角色冲突以及组织因素四个方面，分析了参考馆员科技压力的组成及成因。     

Training Reference Librarians Using Library Instruction Methods

No abstract available for this article.     

Male Reference Librarians and the Gender Factor

No abstract available for this article.