Focuses on librarians' search for their place in American popular culture, 1876-1950. Discussion covers preposterous caricatures, citations to male and female librarians in "Library Literature," fictional librarians, battle of sexes, and a glamorous image as portrayed in films and theater. Annotated list of 18 fictional works is…

Reprints four articles originally published between 1919 and 1967 in "Library Journal." Topics include changing ideals in librarianship, the changing nature of library work (Paul Dunkin), attracting adolescents to the library (Mary Hinant), and the social outlook of the librarian (Marilla Waite Freeman). A sidebar reviews the 1966…

Discussion of problems in library reference services focuses on the influence of gender roles. A historical overview of gender roles in the development of American librarianship is presented that highlights stereotyped views of and attitudes toward women, which the author suggests still have influences on librarianship today. (17 references) (LRW)

Discusses six theories or explanations for the remarkable persistence of criticism of library schools: conservatism, backgrounds of library school deans and directors, library educators, importance of socialization in professional education, the library student personality, and attitudes toward librarianship. An anthology of 97 years of criticism…

Includes reprints of four articles published in "Library Journal" from 1894-1963: (1) "The Distinctive Value of Books" (Lester Asheim); (2) "The Changing Role of the University Library" (Ralph E. Ellsworth); (3) "It Is a Mistake to Recruit Men" (Ralph Munn); and (4) "Is It Best for Libraries to Buy…