The Impact of CD-ROM on Reference Departments.

CD-ROM databases are rapidly appearing in traditionally print-oriented reference departments, requiring librarians to reevaluate past practices of information retrieval. A na tionwide survey was mailed to reference chairpersons in 150 academic libraries inquiring about librarians' opin ions toward CD-ROM acceptance, use, cost, and poten tial. Respondents indicated that CD-ROM systems were eagerly accepted by library patrons even though users may have some difficulty with search strategies and Boolean logic. Librarians are concerned about the high cost of a CD-ROM workstation and, to a lesser extent, the lack of CD-ROM standards. There was a vast disparity among the respondents when asked if CD-ROM would replace the printed version of four reference tools. The presence of CD-ROM databases in the library appears to influence li brarians ' attitudes toward CD-ROM funding and use.