In the context of an evolving digitally-oriented library and/or information science (LIS) discipline and framed by Andrew Abbott's Chaos of Disciplines theory, this article presents an epistemological overview of evolving competency requirements for a global digital information environment and the implications of this for future LIS education. In…

The author was assigned the task to comment on the broad topic: "New sciences, technologies, and media--impact on education for librarianship (or libraries)." The author choose to emphasize "information science." Narrowing the subject down even further, in this article the author emphasizes some of the aspects of the…

What is the relative importance of current and emerging technologies in school library media programs? In order to answer this question, in Fall 2007 the authors administered a survey to 1,053 school library media specialists (SLMSs) throughout the state of Pennsylvania. As a part of the MSLS degree with Library Science K-12 certification, Clarion…

Reviews the history of United States librarianship. Suggests that the profession has failed to analyze the meaning of library service and its significance to users. Argues that this has limited the ability to understand the present role of the U.S. library and thus affects efforts to plan for the future. Contains 131 references. (Author/LRW)

S. R. Ranganathan's five laws of library science, originally published in 1931, provide the basis for reflections on current trends in academic libraries.

Discusses political and cultural battles over the role of a national library in France and the future direction and function of libraries in general. Uses accounts from the press to trace changes in the project as well as ways in which it influenced French librarianship. Contains 34 references. (Author/LRW)

Presents these special reports: "Information Age Dilemma: Filtering the Internet for Young People"; "KALIPER: A Look at Library and Information Science Education at the Turn of a New Century"; "Copyright 1998: Recalibrating the Balance"; "Library Networking and Cooperation in 1998". (AEF)

Discusses the provision of training for children's librarians in library schools in the United Kingdom and Ireland, noting four aspects--whether or not children's librarians should receive special training, types of training available in library schools, implications of the word "training," and future considerations. (EJS)

Discusses the need for a graduate degree in librarianship. Topics include differences between undergraduate and master's level courses; experience; in-house training programs; incentives for library support staff to get a master's degree; and professionalism, including the ability to build community, technological literacy, and a belief in the…

These four reports discuss the electronic publishing industry, including dedicated reading devices for electronic books, reader software, Web-based commercial e-book libraries, intellectual property issues, and standards; outsourcing practices in libraries; the use of Internet filters in North American schools; and recent developments and future…

Discusses possibilities for cataloging Internet resources and the role that the library profession can play. Topics include the Dublin Core metadata; public library projects (Michigan Electronic Library "MEL" and Librarians' Index to the Internet "LII"); academic library projects (INFOMINE, Scout Report); commercial sites…

Introduces the special issue of the "Journal of American Society for Information Science and Technology," (JASIST) whose intent is to provide a forum for assessment of "where we have been and where we are going." Highlights themes that emerged from nine selected articles: Community and Trust; Communication and Community;…

Discusses the "axemaker" school librarian, drawing the concept of innovators for survival and growth of the human species, from Burke and Ornstein's "The Axemaker's Gift: A Double-Edged History of Human Culture." Examines contributions of library science to society and suggests that "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning" is the…

This report examines the problem of diminishing opportunities for professional library education in California. The first section examines topics related to the supply of and demand for librarians and library education programs, including U.S. and California demographics on librarianship and library education, librarianship and the information…

Questions whether current training for two-year college librarians prepares them for future information technologies. Discusses the characterizing features of good two-year college librarians. Recommends professional coursework for potential community college librarians including an introduction to the history and philosophy of the community…