Traces the development of library user instruction in American college libraries, reviewing the major issues, experiments, and conflicts in the field since the 1870's. (FM)

Traces the development of reference service in American libraries during the second half of the nineteenth century and examines the evolution of reference service in the Providence Public Library. The article focuses on how the distinctive features of reference service were conceived and merged into the current concept of reference service. (43…

Discusses the origins of theoretical structure in academic librarianship through a review of the literature. (MBR)

Historical review covers: (1) the rise of research and research libraries, 1850-1900; (2) the genesis of reference service, 1875-95; (3) the growth of reference service in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (4) reference practices in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (5) legislative and municipal reference work, 1900-16; and (6) current trends…

Reviews the history of the development of departments and schools of education, and discusses the corresponding development of education libraries with respect to the quality of library services. A 48-item bibliography is included. (CHC)

Reviews the personnel issues of greatest concern to academic librarians over the past 50 years, and discusses both the positive changes that have occurred and the issues that remain unresolved. An argument that the current environment provides an opportunity for librarians to ensure their central role in higher education is presented. (28…

Summarizes the history of library internships in cataloging. Reviews a survey of 112 academic practitioners and educators regarding the value of cataloging internships in the masters of library science program. Findings indicate that internships are needed to educate library students. Sample cataloging internship programs are appended. (JMV)

Provides an historical overview of the role of the librarian in the university; discusses the academic librarian as information professional; and presents a case study of an academic library. Examines the study findings and implications, and discusses the skills (human relations, technical, cognitive, and behavioral) required of academic…

Public libraries emerged as educational institutions during the second half of the 19th century. Their aim was the intellectual and moral improvement of individuals and societies. After several decades it became evident that public libraries had failed as "people's universities." They came to acknowledge the provision of entertainment as…

Through a comparison of the historical perspectives of medieval and modern libraries, this paper is designed to clarify the purpose and goals of the library, and to promote a public and intellectual debate to guide future developments. The Middle Ages were chosen because libraries possessed an importance and centrality to learning, civilization,…

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…

Links the origin, decline, and renaissance of bibliographic instruction to the increasing specialization and democratization of education and reviews the history of the academic library and the role of the academic librarian in American higher education. The value of concept-oriented bibliographic instruction is stressed. Included are 18…

Discusses document delivery services in the light of new technology. Topics addressed include the historical influences of the printing press; the influence of microcomputers on the publishing industry; copyright issues; the changing role of publishers, researchers, and academic librarians; information partnerships among publishers, librarians,…

Examines the literature on unaffiliated users' access to academic libraries since the 1950s, when post-war population shifts, emphasis on college-preparatory work at the high school level, and an increase in the college-educated population brought greater numbers of unaffiliated users into the library. (Contains 107 references.) (AEF)

Examines how price increases and substantial growth in the number of scholarly journals are logical outcomes of the scholarly communication system. It is argued that scholars, publishers, and university officials have an interest in continuing this system, and academic libraries are expected to provide a ready market even though they are not…