Currently "Big Data" is an emerging field that presents several Information Technology challenges regarding the capture, storage search, structure, and visualization of this data. The real challenge for organizations is to find ways to extract value from it and provide better services to their clients. The data generated in academic and…

Agricultural researchers and science librarians must understand which research literature databases provide the most comprehensive coverage of agricultural subjects to support their inquiries. Once the domain of a few specialized databases, agricultural research literature is now covered by broad, multidisciplinary databases. The purpose of this…

This publication focuses on some of the unique characteristics and challenges concerning the provision of education in prison, including: the emergence of an informal curriculum; language tuition in prison; access to higher education; the availability of library facilities; digital literacy; civic engagement and social (re)integration; and prison…

As early as the sixth century B.C., China's imperial library served as a depository of national literature and archives, and in 1905 China's first public library was opened. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, however, library development has been sporadic. Brief examinations of some of China's major libraries reveal the status,…

A comprehensive study of the current state of library services and library cooperative activities in Massachusetts found that the state's 2,796 public, academic, school, institutional and special libraries make a significant contribution to lifelong learning, to the economy, and to the quality of life. The libraries have a combined collection of…

This document contains the full transcript of a 2-day workshop on library automation. The first day of the workshop was devoted to a review of the state-of-the-art of library automation and the second day included presentation of testimony by Maine librarians. The transcript of the first day includes discussions of the historical development of…

Notes developments over the past decade in Canadian library standards for public libraries, university and college libraries, school libraries, special libraries, national libraries, cooperation among libraries, and standardization in educational programs for library personnel. Forty-eight references are provided. (EJS)

The issue of standards for special libraries is discussed, highlighting surveys conducted concerning the diversity of special libraries and salaries of members of the Special Libraries Association (SLA). Efforts of SLA's Standards and Statistics Committee are noted. Twenty references are listed. (EJS)

Reviews developments in British library standards since 1971, highlighting types of standards, public libraries, academic libraries (university, polytechnic, college), school libraries, and special libraries (hospital and health sciences, prison, subject specializations). Thirty-nine references are cited. (EJS)

Provides descriptions of prominent libraries in Dublin, Ireland, including Trinity College Library, National Library of Ireland, Chester Beatty Library, Marsh's Library (first public library), Kings Inn Law School Library, Steevens Hospital Library, Royal Irish Academy Library, Royal Dublin Society Library, religious libraries (Franciscan,,…

The first of a two-part series covers research published since 1970 that is directly relevant to interlibrary loan in the United States, with emphasis on studies of total volume, growth rate, nature of exchange relationships, characteristics of requests and types of material requested, users and uses, and financing. (47 references) (EJS)

Traces the development of a specialty within the profession of librarianship, highlighting the origins of art libraries (particularly in museums), growth of the literature of art, the formation of professional associations, and the development of specialized education in library schools. Forty-five references are cited. (EJS)

Summarizes the topics covered at a seminar for rural librarians in Australia that focused on practical solutions to the problems inherent in being physically and professionally isolated. Areas discussed included education and training, communication and networking, and library management and services. (10 references) (CLB)

This report presents the research and findings of the 16-member Task Force on the Role of the Special Library in Nationwide Networks and Cooperative Programs. Four working groups studied the following issues: constituencies; network legislation; benefits, barriers, and constraints to and from special library participation in networks; and the…

Discusses the current focus on the librarian's role as educator as the result of the report, "A Nation at Risk," by National Commission on Excellence. Publications identifying responsibilities of academic, public, corporate, and technical librarians are examined noting library role in creation of learning society and views on…