On Tue, 28 May 1996 Lawstuff@aol.com wrote:
>
> Good topic for discussion. Should requests for information be made *only*
> after checking the hundreds of library catalogs . . . on the Internet, plus
> standard reference tools and calling the local public library?
>
I don't think we have to go that far <grin>. I'm pretty Internet savvy
but I have to admit that I never use any of the Internet library catalogs
- it's too easy to search RLIN or OCLC instead in one fell swoop.
But ... it makes sense to try to find what you need before posting. If
you still can't find it, then list all the sources you checked so other
people don't waste their time recreating the wheel. Use common sense to
check the basic reference sources. I just use my delete key on requests
that seem to be taking advantage of the list.
What we've got here is one terrific resource that I don't think we could
duplicate in any "pay for use" setting. I'm always amazed that people will
drop what they are doing to help me out. In turn, I usually jump at a
request which I know we can fill. I've never been the first to send in an
answer but it starts to feel like a game of who can get there first to
help out. And we all want to play!
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Joan Loftus loftus@netcom.com
Computer Services Librarian (415) 983-1770
Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP
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