People use the words "profession" and "professional" in a multitude of ways. This article provides an extensive discussion about the idea of "profession." The author discusses how librarianship stacks up against the established professions and explores whether librarianship is considered as a profession. The author argues that librarianship is not…

Considers the role of "information counselors" in the rapidly changing information environment, contrasting the functions performed by information counselors with those normally performed by information managers and librarians. The factors which are leading toward the development of a new profession are thoroughly reviewed. (JL)

Examines issues arising from recent controversy associated with American Library Association's (ALA) support of MLS degree as minimum requirement for professional employment. Highlights include ALA involvement in legal cases and viewpoints of ALA groups focusing on goals, constituency and handling of conflict versus nature of librarianship and its…

Outlines the arguments of the author's 1992 book, "Librarianship: The Erosion of a Woman's Profession," which explores the changes underway in librarianship. The importance of acknowledging the abilities of professional librarians, recommitting to direct service with clients, and advocating for the public's right to information are stressed. (EAM)

Reports on a survey of Western Australian pre-graduates (16- and 17-year olds) conducted in order to determine their attitudes towards libraries and librarians and other careers. Results indicate the continuation of negative images of librarians, and the shift in perceptions that must occur before it is considered a desirable career option.…

Addresses the motivations underlying faculty advocacy of the "information" model for library and information science (LIS) education. Proposes an intensified interest in and support of all aspects of LIS education by the many worlds of LIS practice and suggests that a cultural model of LIS better positions both the "library" and "information"…

Presents eight responses from individuals reacting to Suprenant's and Perry-Holmes's article entitled "Reference Librarian of the Future" (RQ, Winter, 1985). Topics covered in the responses include the information poor, information consultants, information interpretation, library education, the human element, revitalizing reference…

Public librarians in Quebec were surveyed to compare their orientation toward a field-specific model of professionalism with their orientation toward a traditional model based on traits derived from other professions. Results indicate that they had a stronger orientation toward the field-specific model to measure the level of professionalism in…

The Internet and new information technology have created new jobs for librarians in nontraditional settings. This article examines new (corporate libraries and information centers) and redefined (academic and public libraries) "techno-jobs" in the information field. Provides a survey of market indicators and offers job hunting hints.…

Reports the results of a survey of graduates of the University of Pittsburgh's Masters of Library Science (M.L.S.) program that was conducted to investigate reasons for leaving the profession for other fields or to leave the workforce entirely. Highlights include characteristics and attitudes of at-home versus employed women and their educational…

Historical methodology and library techniques have been the basis for archival education, but arguments of placement of an archival program within the university and the desirable degree for professional archivists have led to inconsistencies in graduate school curricula. The author conducted a study to determine if graduate schools adequately…

Two higher education professionals discuss cultural issues that separate librarians and information technology professionals, and inhibit enlightened leadership as their changing roles cause professional convergence. Guiding principles for the information professional are outlined: developing oneself and a new generation of leadership; recognizing…