Proposes a revised model of a taxonomy for theory building in library and information studies research, called Circuits of Theory, that includes both the taxonomy and the critical contextual modules researchers consider in their work. Encompasses the concepts of individual as well as social knowledge, both discovered and undiscovered. (Author/LRW)

Describes results of a content analysis of 1160 library and information science (LIS) articles published between 1993 and 1998 to examine the use of theory in LIS research. Findings imply that differences exist in the use of theory in LIS that are associated with the broad disciplinary content of the research. (Author/LRW)

Addresses the issue of epistemology and library and information science by considering Michel Foucault's essay "La Bibliotheque Fantastique" which is a work of literary criticism rather than a scientific analysis. Highlights include implications of the positivist perspective for conceptualizing the modern library experience; and an…

The first of two articles provides an introduction to this issue. The second article discusses the key issues in rare book librarianship over the past 50 years, including acquisition, care, handling, storage, preservation, cataloging, classifying, processing, circulation, security, and training. Both references and a 77-item bibliography are…

Examines 18 library publishers' sales catalogs and sales profiles for 300 titles available from the American Library Association (ALA) in order to describe the nature of library literature. Lists of ALA best sellers for 1986-87 and pre-1986-87 are appended. (9 references) (MES)

Discusses the origins of librarians' concern with their image and reviews an analysis of the issue in the literature from 1921-78. The image presented in three major national library journals--American Libraries, Library Journal, and Wilson Library Bulletin--are then examined together with opinions of the journal editors for the period from…

Provides an overview of public administration and its similarities to library and information science, and notes research themes in public administration (innovation, organizational development and change, decision-making and evaluation, personnel, financial concerns, marketing, dissertations). Future of public administration research and its…

Analyzes subject trends from 1975-84 in nine influential journals in library and information science. Thirty-two subjects which constitute 89 percent of the subjects published are discussed under five categories according to their distribution characteristics: (1) boom topics; (2) declining topics; (3) roller coaster issues; (4) stable subjects;…

Examines the role of professional standards in fostering good practice in librarianship. Discusses librarian liability theories and malpractice risk; professional conduct, including standards and an enforcement mechanism; professional knowledge; skills or competencies, including the role of library associations; and shared values. (Author/LRW)

Outlines theoretical and practical dimensions of the use of bibliometrics (i.e., the scientific study of recorded discourse) to enhance library school curricula. A proposal for a course at the master's level and future prospects for teaching bibliometrics are included. Twenty-six references and a course syllabus are appended. (EJS)

Discusses trends affecting the editing of library journals: (1) changes in the numbers and specialization of journals and in the literature itself; (2) changes in the profession, such as an increased emphasis on publishing and formality in professional relationships; and (3) changes in the technology available for the preparation, production, and…

Surveys the history of library education and publishing from 1876 to the present in order to examine the relationship between the curriculum in library science schools and library literature. The emphasis is on how publishing for library education is influenced by changes in curriculum and how practice in librarianship influences both. (58…

Compares the qualitative method of grounded theory (GT) with Ranganathan's construction of faceted classifications (FC) in library and information science. Both struggle with a core problem--the representation of vernacular words and processes, empirically discovered, which will, although ethnographically faithful, be powerful beyond the single…

Discusses the treatment of ethnicity in the social sciences, the impact of ethnicity on interpersonal and interethnic relations, and the development of library programs and services with an ethnic content. Thirty-five references are cited. (FM)

This examination of the professional goals of librarianship, in relation to various definitions of professionalism, arrives at the conclusion that librarianship's goals could lead to a more flexible set of professional standards focusing on librarianship itself, rather than on the field's symbolic representation. (MBR)