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This section presents information on several computer software and CD-ROM packages for U.S. libraries. Get-A-Ref version 4.0 is a tool for researchers, scientists, physicians, graduate students, or anyone else who must access and update personal libraries of reprints. The Third College Edition of Webster's New World Dictionary database holds approximately 30 megabytes of standard dictionary data including 140,000 lexemes, 180,000 definitions, 51,000 etymologies, and 50,000 classification descriptors. Utlas International has released a CD-ROM containing over 460,000 full MARC serials records to complement its CD-CATSS cataloging system. The records consist of the pre-1987 authenticated CONSER files from the Library of Congress and the National Library of Canada as well as original serials records from selected Utlas customers. The Unisys Corp. has completed negotiations with the University of North Dakota for the implementation of a PALS Library Management system to serve libraries statewide. The network will allow the Grand Forks Public Library and the North Dakota State Library to make their combined 1.7 million-volume collection available to any library system.

The article discusses the importance for library leaders to measure the performance of their institution. It mentions several library institutions that offer outcomes-based evaluation (OBE) training and support for their members to effectively measure outcomes and address the rising need of its users. It also mentions the strategy of other libraries in measuring outcomes, which helped decision-makers further improve the service they can offer.

Provides results of a questionnaire which was given to librarians regarding remote access reference services. Description of changes in reference services as a result of remote access; How electronic resources have impacted library services; Decrease in total questions asked at reference desks; Increase in numbers of remote access users; Virtual and electronic mail reference use.

Discusses key issues relevant to the collection of paperback novels in the Westville Public Library in Illinois. Range of novels in the library's collection; Maintenance requirements of paperback novels; Policy implications on library science.

Reports on the results of a survey which reveals that Kern County Public Library in California is in the mainstream of library service. Increase in library circulation; Growth of service populations; User satisfaction.

Reports on the New York State Archives and New York State Library's sponsorship of a series of conservation workshops in Albany, New York. Topics to be discussed in the workshop; Contact information.

Discusses what happened in a library when several teenagers were discovered using pornographic web sites. One analysis pointing out the importance of customer service no matter how shocking the clients' behavior; Why it is important for the department head to articulate the library's policies about the Internet to the staff; The second analysis also remarking on good customer service; Reflection on the issues surrounding Internet access.

Presents comments on a case study on library science, particularly the need of a library to have a public relations officer. Role of the library board to address the inaccurate portrayal of a library in the press; Means to limit the damage to the library's reputation in the community; Actions that should be taken by the library to get its side of the story out to the general public.

Reports on Dallas Public Library's offering of assistance to the American Libraries Association units planning social and entertainment programs.