Golden Rule Reference

Abstract

Reference service in all types of libraries could be improved if librarians actively adopted the mindset of the Golden Rule. The Rule is expressed in some form in many world religions and instructs us to treat others how we would like to be treated. This approach has applicability not only in face-to-face reference transactions, but also in virtual reference. The empathetic reference librarian should be alert to both verbal and non-verbal clues that can indicate how a patron would like to be treated.     

Offering Assistance at the OPACs

Summary

As technology races forward, public library OPACs have established a barrier to access. Computer literacy is required of the patron to access the collection through the OPAC. This barrier may be addressed with more active service. Rather than the librarian at the reference desk waiting to be asked, go to the patron. But will the patron accept? This study looks at who did accept and how often. Patrons heading towards the OPAC were greeted by an individual and offered assistance. Conducted at the Guilderland Public Library, a suburb of Albany, NY, in the fall of 1996, this study compares the responses of these patrons grouped by sex and approximate age. In 20 hours over five consecutive days, 189 patrons were recorded. Additionally the study touches upon other factors such as sex, race, dress, and more effective wording for the approach and offer.     

Digital Reference

Summary

Real time digital reference services are now a standard part of reference work in medium to large sized libraries as well as numerous smaller libraries. Aside from the basic questions of whether or not this new computer service will flourish, are the day-to-day activities which make it possible. The contributors to this gathering of opinion and pragmatic activity offer numerous reports and theory about the development and growth of the new approach to answering reference questions. There is a wide diversity of methods and ideas about how digital reference service should be offered to the public. All taking part in this discussion speak from experience and considerable thought about a revolutionary new idea.     

数字化参考咨询服务及图书馆服务功能的拓展

论述数字参考咨询服务的特点,探讨在数字化信息环境下图书馆的参考咨询服务的深化与拓展.     

2000—2003年我国网络参考咨询服务研究的统计与分析

本文利用（中文期刊全文数据库〉和中国CNKI数据库检索系统，从年度、期刊、作者、主题等方面对我国2000—2003年网络参考咨询论文进行认真调查统计，并作了客观地分析。参考文献60，表4。     

美国高校图书馆实时参考服务试验项目研究

文章从人员配置、宣传推广、软件选择、咨询问题类型、服务评估等方面对8个美国高校图书馆的实时参考咨询试验项目进行了研究分析与经验总结。     

参考咨询服务在美国的发展轨迹

研究参考咨询服务在美国的发展轨迹。研究其起源、发展变化和数字参考服务兴起的历程，并探讨了当今参考咨询服务发展趋势。     

Do We Still Need Reference Services in the Age of Google and Wikipedia?

With the continuing development of web resources and Internet search utilities, the role of reference services is changing in the modern library. Traditional ready reference is in decline, but the need for broad-based research support will continue for the foreseeable future. As librarians adapt to the evolving research environment, libraries are experimenting with alternative models of reference services. Far-reaching calls to adopt one model or abandon another, such as the traditional reference desk, are off target given that each library must adapt to its own local situation and determine how best to serve its constituents.     

The Pro Se Patron

Abstract

The author contends, based on articles published in recent years discounting the legal obligation of law librarians to pro se patrons, that law librarians have a paramount ethical obligation not to cause harm, and thus to avoid the practice of law from the reference desk. As a result, the attorney patron and the pro se patron cannot be afforded the same level of legal reference service. The attorney is the conversant intermediary between the legal materials (and the librarian) and the client, whereas the pro se patron is the client with a layman's dearth of basic legal knowledge.     

数字参考咨询服务的现状和未来发展

论文介绍了国内外数字参考咨询服务的研究现状，分析了数字参考咨询服务的特征，并对数参考咨询服务的发展提出了建议。     

KANAnswer

Summary

This paper relates the collaborative planning by a task force of public, academic, and special librarians to develop KANAnswer, a statewide virtual reference pilot project. Major points include selecting software, developing policies and procedures, marketing, procuring partners, staffing and training, coordinating the project, and early impressions of the librarians who staff the service.