Provides a historical perspective on archival automation and an overview of the management, planning, staffing, and user considerations that arise as a consequence of automation. Future technological developments are summarized. (41 references) (MES)

Examines ethical considerations involved in the transfer of appropriate information technology to less developed countries. Approaches to technology are considered; two philosophical frameworks for studying ethical considerations are discussed, i.e., the Kantian approach and the utilitarian perspective by John Stuart Mill; and integration of the…

Archivists indicate they want to learn more about automation in archives, the MARC AMC (Archival and Manuscripts Control) format, and emerging computer technologies; they look for educational opportunities through professional associations, publications, and college coursework; future archival automation education needs include standards, shared…

This essay is a personal reflection on entering librarianship in middle age at a time when the profession is experiencing rapidly accelerating change due to the increased use of computers and information technologies. Discusses the consumer society and information needs; the need to teach the information process; and professionalism. (Author/LRW)

Discusses operational, organizational, and technological developments that are transforming the workplace; describes the concept of knowledge worker and the information utility model; considers how these factors provide opportunities for library administrators and other information resource management professionals to improve user services; and…

Discusses ethical considerations and possible censorship that can accompany technological advances in the transmission of information among scholars. Topics addressed include academic ethics and academic library ethics; peer review and scholarly communication; controversies and the selection of library materials; academic whistle blowers; and…

Explores three contexts of librarians' professional work and their impact on the link between librarians and their work: social and cultural forces, other competing occupations, and competing organizations and commodities. Concludes that the central challenge to the profession lies in embracing various information technologies and the groups that…

Argues that providing end users with more information does not really address their problems and, in fact, does not even identify them. Topics discussed include the growth of information technology, reasons for the decline in the number of reference librarians, roles of libraries, and the importance of information intermediaries. (MES)

Explores the reasons for incorporating trend analysis of librarianship into library planning and marketing. Key financial and technological issues are reviewed, and the techniques of environmental scanning and alternative scenario-building to incorporate future trends are discussed. (AEF)

Special libraries developed in response to a need for quick access to specific information. Integrated marketing in special libraries focuses the library toward strategic planning and offers the opportunity to develop more effective library services. (Author/AEF)

Proposes a new transitional budget model to help make libraries adept at and comfortable with change during the transition to an increasingly electronic knowledge environment, emphasizing staff education and training, new service opportunities, user responsiveness, teamwork, fiscal empowerment, and more effective management systems. (Contains nine…

Discusses changes in educational requirements for library-oriented careers in information management caused by developments in the for-profit sector. Highlights include the role of technology; the growth of special library, corporate, and information industry employment; mobility of information professionals; and the interdisciplinary nature of…

Explains the planning process in designing effective library facilities and discusses library building requirements that result from electronic information technologies. Highlights include historical structures; Americans with Disabilities Act; resource allocation; electrical power; interior spaces; lighting; design development; the roles of…

Discusses radically transformed library organizations and the characteristics of the library leaders who will create them. The development of posthierarchical libraries, reasons for reeingineering traditional libraries, characteristics and roles of posthierarchical library leaders, critical leadership strategies, and impediments to transforming…

Discusses cultural and technological influences in the management of human resources in the research library and their impact on individual rights and responsibilities, division of labor, supervision, educational requirements, and job stress. (23 references) (EA)