Considers the new roles of librarians that have evolved from changes in technology. Discusses new job titles for librarians; changes in bibliographic instruction; training the trainers; virtual branch libraries; teamwork and collaboration; changes in organizational structures; and outsourcing options. (LRW)

Based on observations made during a 1979-80 study trip, this paper presents a critical view of academic librarianship and libraries in India, emphasizing issues confronting the library profession and its ability to fulfill library objectives in a developing nation. It is noted that modern India is a society closely tied to tradition while at the…

Defined in terms of their institutional role and historical development, national statistical libraries are discussed in the context of present structures, size, personnel situation, technical equipment, financial structure, general and specific activities, areas of specialization, and growth rate, as well as the interlibrary cooperative efforts…

Provides a historical overview of library cooperative efforts, the roles identified for the cooperative library organizations and their members, and associated services. Examines the contributions that rural libraries make toward cooperation among all types of libraries and identifies challenges for rural libraries participating in networks in the…

Examines the background and development of a comprehensive plan designed to improve library service in Pennsylvania. The ACCESS Pennsylvania agenda is described, together with obstacles to its success, particularly funding problems. The effects of the agenda on special libraries are also discussed. (3 references) (MES)

Summarizes events at an OCLC-sponsored conference at which three major issues were addressed: (1) how public libraries will improve access to services and resources; (2) how public librarians will interact with users and what skills/attitudes they will require; and (3) the impact of interlibrary cooperation in light of changes in society and…

Discussion of role of school library media centers (SLMCs) in multitype library networks notes five basic factors that contribute to their exclusion from library networks: psychological, political and legal, funding, communication, and planning. Examples of programs attempting to reduce barriers to school participation in library networks are…

Includes six special reports: "Libraries and the National Information Infrastructure" (Peter R. Young and Jane Williams); "Library Cooperation and Networking" (JoAn Segal); "Mexican Information Resources in Electronic Format" (Shirley Ainsworth); "The International Role of U.S. Librarians" (Hannelore B.…

Discusses the concept of international librarianship (particularly in Europe), the unique characteristics and role of national libraries, librarians working in national libraries, and the role of information strategy systems and information technology in national libraries. (LRW)

Addresses overall contribution of nation's university libraries to nation's library network--public, schools, academic, special, and national libraries of defined geographical area--with special emphasis on Nigeria. Highlights include dual roles of university and national libraries, cooperative schemes for materials acquisition and regional…

Discusses the author's report, "The Future of the National Library of Canada," in terms of its scope, intent, and limitations. (CHC)

Discusses academic and public libraries that expand the range and type of their services via fee-based information services and private information businesses that charge fees. Questions of billing the total cost to the patron versus part of the cost are considered; and the impact of such fees on library cooperation and networks is described. (six…

This document contains eight papers by American participants in the U.S.-U.S.S.R. Seminar on Access to Library Resources through Technology and Preservation: (1) "The Automation of Libraries and Information Services in the United States" (Richard De Gennaro); (2) "Databases: Issues in the Bibliographic Control of Information in a…

The two purposes of this report are to present concrete proposals related to the need for the National Library of Canada to facilitate the development of nationwide bibliographic and associated communications networks, and to outline the relevant network concepts assumed in framing the nine recommendations and the related implementation proposals…

Explains the objective of the ARL (Association of Research Libraries) Scholars Portal initiative as the development of scholarly productivity tools and services. Considers the library's role and describes the initial emphasis on developing a tool that delivers licensed and openly available digital content across a range of subject fields and from…