The article discusses how digitization in libraries, museums, and archives (LAM) can become more democratic. Digitization within LAM scholarship has been seen historically as a democratic act because it provides universal access to cultural heritage content, breaks down authoritative narratives, and enables participation from users. The article…

Applying a content warning to metadata and archival descriptions is a practice that libraries increasingly embrace, even though the American Library Association considers content labeling to be censorship under the Library Bill of Rights. The language used in a content warning, such as "offensive" or "harmful," carries…

Classrooms and museums have long provided the perfect environment for students to engage information on multiple levels. Some of the information is in the form of worksheets, textbooks, and interpretive panels others in the form of societal conceptions derived from their surroundings. Museums are supposed to be equitable spaces where facts can be…

Building a personal learning network (PLN) for intellectual freedom has long been an important role of a school librarian; however, in the steadily increasing onslaught of digital information that librarians face today, and in the future, the task has become mission-critical. Personal learning, it stands to reason, requires an appropriate dialogue…

"Road Tripping Down the Digital Preservation Highway" follows the continuing adventures of Peter Palmer, erstwhile librarian at Bellaluna University and manager of the library's and University's digital content, as he journeys down the Digital Preservation Highway. Palmer's problem this month was somewhat more philosophical. As manager of the…

Scouting has been described as the process of making real boys into real men by a real program that works. This program is adapted to the boy's leisure hours, but its principles are the kind that permeate every phase of his life, becoming part and parcel of himself. Character development is the keynote of scouting. By precept and practice it…

Offers one librarian's inspirational thoughts on the value of library work: community service, clash of values, intellectual freedom, public good, love of books and libraries, the beauty of small libraries, modern budgets, librarian image, the ideal library, a favorite librarian, the solace of knowledge, the value of silence, and reminders of…

Changes in library services due to advancing information technology constitute a revolution comparable to invention of the printing press. Democratization of access to knowledge is a positive development, but it should not be confused with democratization of knowledge. This is where any system of information networking may be misleading; in…

Discussion of the possible changes in Hong Kong in 1997 when rule passes to the People's Republic of China focuses on the uncertain future of libraries and librarians. Topics discussed include the political climate; the departure of qualified Chinese librarians; and the growth of libraries and computerized systems. (LRW)

Argues that librarians must strive to unlock people's minds from an early age with the power of the printed word, and urges them to be active advocates for children, to speak out for children's rights to read, to become educated, and to succeed. It is suggested that librarians mobilize through involvement in professional associations. (SD)

Discusses adapting traditional marketing strategies for the nonprofit sector, including libraries and information centers, and describes experiences of the Development Information Network for South Asia in Sri Lanka. Topics addressed include librarians' value systems, including free access to information; the need for information marketing;…

Describes the changes that have taken place in librarianship in the former Soviet Union. The discussion covers the advantages and disadvantages of centralized planning, the reorganization of library systems in Russia and the Ukraine, the effects of democratization on organization and librarian attitudes, and the remnants of Russification in…

Examines the organizational and political context of decisions directly related to the fate of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) from 1980 to 1992. This decision-making environment is then analyzed in terms of political values, structures, and strategies. (Contains 59 references.) (Author/KRN)

Fundamental changes in the economic structure of library and information services are forcing a reexamination of values and policies. Technological advances are shifting the debate from "fee or free" services to broader issues; and changes in the way information is created, valued, and distributed are changing public- and private-sector…

Asserts that there is a tension between the idea that society is composed of free, rational beings and the view that one group should set themselves up as arbiters for what others should read. Discusses parental rights and the role of parents in determining what books are suitable for children. (CFR)