SCIENTISTS ACCESS AND RETRIEVAL OF REFERENCES CITED IN THEIR RECENT JOURNAL ARTICLES

Scientific authors of 319 articles in nineteen current research journa ls were asked to explain how they: (1) first became aware of a specifi c reference which they cited, and (2) how they subsequently obtained i t. Disciplines represented in the study were chemistry, physics, mathe matics, biology, and geology. Of several possible modes of access, per sonal contacts and references in the literature were most important. A ctual retrieval occurred primarily through library subscriptions and c opies from colleagues. Variations among disciplines appeared in the us e of databases, current awareness services, and personal journals. Sci entists' perceptions of problems with their journal literature and sug gestions for improvement revealed some interesting ideas and a few mis conceptions. Findings have implications for present and future roles p layed by the academic library in serving its scientific clientele.