Examines the growth of map libraries in the United States, the evolution of specialized professional training for map librarians, and the associated growth of a corpus of literature about maps in libraries. The author also discusses map librarianship today and concludes that we have reached the end of the "Emergence of Maps in Libraries"…

Includes a 1991 lecture on the future of rare book libraries and a commentary from 2003. Topics include paper-based collections versus electronic resources; changes in general research libraries; budget shortages; changing priorities; reformatting library materials; and education for rare books and special collections librarians. (LRW)

Maps possess many unique attributes which standard library materials do not, and as a result they are not covered in standard library science courses such as reference, cataloging, collection development, and preservation. Some library schools have responded to this by offering a specialized course in map librarianship. However, few schools offer…

Describes development of a comprehensive library materials conservation program at Johns Hopkins University's Milton Eisenhower Library by conservator John Dean. Discussion covers Dean's background in conservation, three major areas in the conservation program (conservation bindery, commercial binding office, paper conservation laboratory), a…

Relates author's impressions of Hungarian libraries and library schools gained during visit sponsored by Association of Hungarian Librarians and Kent State University. The Library of the Hungarian Parliament, Szechenyi National Library, Ervin Szabo Municipal Library, Hungarian Technical Information Centre, City/County Library, Teachers' Training…

Examines commercial, educational, and existing library sources to establish a practical perspective for librarians seeking to establish collections of popular culture materials, with emphasis on sound recordings, nonstandard materials, and concerns of bibliographic control and professional education. Seven references are listed. (RAA)

Discusses the current status of training opportunities in conservation and the need for the integration of conservation and collection management into the archival, library, and information sciences. Programs at Columbia University and the University of Maryland which combine conservation and librarianship are described. Included are 25…

This paper provides clarification of issues important to the preservation of paper materials and presents practical steps for any librarian to take in preserving the library collection. In order to deal with a manageable subsection of this complex issue, the paper concentrates on three interrelated aspects of paper preservation: the nature of the…

Discusses the state of community (primary) school libraries in Papua New Guinea. Highlights include teachers' delegated library duties, training in librarianship, lack of books, acquisition problems, facilities and types of storage, classification of the collection, and unattainable standards. (AEF)

This report provides a review of Bulgaria's history as it relates to library collections, and describes the current state of preservation activities at key institutions. The discussion includes: the political history of Bulgaria and its library collections; the Soviet state and its aftermath; economic constraints; decentralization of Bulgaria's…

The third in a series of international conferences on the problems of coping with the information explosion in the biomedical literature, this conference was held to explore certain aspects of the small core libraries recommended at previous meetings. Such libraries would be set up in developing countries and contain highly selective materials…

Discusses the importance of oral tradition in African culture; describes efforts to collect, organize, and disseminate oral tradition; and highlights associated problems. It is concluded that librarians in Africa should place greater emphasis on oral tradition as a supplement to documentary sources. (18 references) (MES)

Discusses problems encountered in conducting research in German academic libraries. Highlights include a lack of trained librarians with subject expertise who focus on helping users; numerous library catalogs rather than one integrated catalog; and an emphasis on collection preservation that includes closed stacks and restricted circulation. (LRW)

Explores current pressures for research libraries to adopt new technologies, myths that impede progress, the question of what resources and search strategies researchers tend to rely on, and attitudes of faculty toward librarians and library services. User needs, convenience, and timeliness in providing library services are emphasized, and…

This report describes the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a coordinated staff development program to offer certified, non-degree credit to non-professional librarians from small public libraries. Developed through the cooperation of the Central Iowa Regional Library and the Iowa State University Library, the program resulted in a plan…