Kevin R. Harwell

Burnout Strategies for Librarians

ABSTRACT Recent research on job stress offers new insights into the burnout syndrome and its antithesis, job engagement. Common sources of stress and library-specific stress contribute to the incidence of burnout in libraries. The author offers personal experience and strategies for managing burnout on personal and organizational levels.

Legal issues relating to patent searching in publicly accessible libraries

Abstract The purpose of this article is to discuss responsible library service when using patent search resources in light of the unauthorized practice of law. This issue is significant, but also very unsettled. Because patents document legal rights, libraries that provide patent search services should be cautious when assisting the public, much as libraries that provide assistance with legal resources should be. Activities that could be construed as the unauthorized practice of law are examined closely and distinguished from good information services practices. Recommendations for library policies and practices are outlined. Selected aspects of patent law, relevant to information needs of patent search patrons, are also discussed.

World Gold Council (www.gold.org)

The WGC was formed in 1987 by some of the world’s leading gold mining organizations to stimulate and maximize “demand for, and holding of, gold by consumers, investors, industry, and the official sector.” The WGC works to drive demand with marketing initiatives, reduce regulatory barriers to widespread gold ownership, develop distribution systems, and promote gold as a reserve asset for central banks. The organization promotes ethically, socially, and environmentally responsible practices in mining, production, distribution, and sales of gold and gold products. The Web site (www.gold.org) provides free information in support of these purposes for use by investors, consumers, and government officials. To support the gold jewelry industry, it provides information for designers, craftsmen, distributors, and retailers, which includes technical data, marketing information, fashion events and competitions, and other support. Numerous technical papers about scientific, industrial, and medical uses of gold are included on the Web site as general information for investors. Users are asked to register, at no charge, for access to some of the information provided.

Best of Law for Business

Abstract The business law chapter includes comprehensive Web sites, resources for statues, regulations, and agency decisions, and information on corporate, labor, international and tax law.

United States Patent and Trademark Office

or claims; and limited by date. Pre-grant publication of patent applications, a new information product since spring of 2001, can be searched in the same way. In addition to searching patents by field and patent number, the agency offers searching by U.S. Patent Classification (http://www.uspto.gov/go/ classification/). This system has been in use for over 100 years, but has been subject to nearly constant revision and amendment to keep it up to date. A classification search offers the advantage of bringing together patents that have specific features in common, regardless of the language used to describe those features, which is a challenge when searching by keyword. Once a class and subclass are selected, the system provides a complete and current list of all patents associated with that classification. The searcher can then click on the patent number to view the image. World Wide Web Reviews 49

LEXIS-NEXIS Instruction at Penn State.

At a large university library, helping patrons use a full text database such as LEXIS-NEXIS places pressure on reference staff because the service is complex. Staff cannot give the proper attention to patrons because activity at the reference desk can limit the time spent with each individual. Full-text services require more instruction and reference help than electroic bibliographic databases, but patrons often come for assistance just before the assignment is due. To relieve such pressure, librarians at Penn States Pattee LIbrary developed Just-in-Time demonstrations to help patrons learn how to use LEXIS-NEXIS when they need it. The Just-in-Time demonstrations provide a weekly alternative which relieves the I need it now pressure by providing instruction on a weekly basis. These demonstrations have been well received by patrons and staff