Access Services: A General Overview of the Literature, 1990-1999

Recent library innovations, such as integrated library systems, access to electronic resources, emphasis on patrons' information needs in all formats, renewed interest in quality library services, and the expanded responsibilities of circulation departments have resulted in the merging of certain library functions into a new unit called access services. For this paper, access services is defined as those library functions that facilitate patron access to library information. The focus of this general review is on authoritative monographic and selected journal literature on access services and the various components of access services that was published between the years 1990 and 1999. Pertinent literature published prior to 1990 is reviewed as deemed appropriate. Literature addressing emerging trends in access services is also reviewed