Journal of Librarianship and Information Science

The article examines the criteria by which online services and CD-ROM products might be evaluated, which are not necessarily the same as those used to evaluate printed reference works. This is done under three main headings. databases, hosts and telecommunications networks.

Some 52 university and 30 polytechnic librarians were questioned about forms of continuing education and training in their libraries. Induction and further education issues were explored, as well as attitudes to the idea of continuing education. The survey took place between November 1987 and January 1988. A response rate of 87 per cent was achieved. Marked differences in practices were revealed between polytechnic and university libraries. Responses indicated a growing interest in continuing education, often influenced by factors outside the direct control of librarians.

Conservation of materials has recently become a more urgent issue than for many years past, and is prominent at both national and international levels. It is now seen as an important aspect of collection management, and it is in that context that it is appearing in library school curricula. A recent study undertaken by the authors, with funding from BLR&DD and BLHSS (Preservation Services), has shown that the schools are reflecting the growing interest of practitioners and students in this area of librarianship.

This article ruminates on some of the problems that have still to be solved in online information retrieval, petitions for minor enhancements and dreams of revolution.