1. Indexes and abstracts are essential to reference services in libraries. Using specific indexes and abstracts as examples, define their structure, content, and function. In addition, compare the print and computerized versions of such tools and their implications for reference librarians and for users.

2. Without standards the world would be chaotic. But are strict standards necessary in the library profession? Discuss three current standards for the organization of information, the agencies responsible for their creation and revision, and the importance of these standards to the users of information.

3. Discuss the functions of the library card catalog. Describe how information in the card catalog can facilitate information seeking. Draw on existing OPACs to explain how computer technology can be used to enhance the functions of the catalog. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both card and online catalogs.

4. It has been suggested that from early times libraries have sought to take advantage of the resources held in other collections. Various cooperative efforts that have facilitated resource sharing include the National Union Catalog, the first Union List of Serials, OCLC, and RLG. Discuss the advantages of resource sharing among libraries and the roadblocks to it. Suggest ways that libraries can overcome these difficulties.

5. Recently libraries and other information agencies have sought to increase their visibility and support. Discuss ways various types of libraries, archives, and other information agencies can publicize their roles and stimulate increased use and financial support.

6. The content of bibliographic, or library, instruction is becoming much more process oriented than it has been traditionally. State the reasons for this shift in emphasis, and discuss the implications of this shift for information professionals who provide bibliographic instruction.

7. The availability of network technology and the growth of electronic resources have brought about changes for librarians in general and collection developers and catalogers in particular. Describe the nature of these changes and discuss in detail how such changes have affected the work of collection developers and catalogers.

8. Serving a population with diverse ethnic/cultural/economic backgrounds creates special challenges for libraries, archives, and information centers. Discuss these challenges and how they can be addressed.

9. Because of the nature of online reference services many people believe that search intermediaries should develop a special set of ethical standards for themselves. Discuss why such a code might be necessary and what it should cover.

10. You are library director at a medium-size university. The faculty in the history department claims that the collection in history is not serving the needs of the graduate students and faculty researchers in the department. Describe methods that might be used to evaluate the collection, including who should be involved in the process, what data might be needed, and how the data will be evaluated.

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