This article examines the topicality of Library and Information Science (LIS) dissertations written between 1930 and 2009 at schools with American Library Association (ALA)--accredited university programs in North America. Dissertation titles and abstracts were examined for the presence of library-related keywords drawn from the core curricula of…

Argues that unless issues of machine help and human help are given explicit attention by the library profession, the disappearance of human help in patron assistance without input is likely. Discusses convergent commercial- and academic-sector trends, implications for the profession, and three policy alternatives. Presents a patron self-help…

Librarianship has undergone a radical change in recent years, which will be continued in the future. Whereas previously the administration of media was most important, nowadays an ever increasing willingness to provide a service is required. In addition to the essential restructuring of libraries, a generational change is taking place within the…

Contends that an entrepreneurial model of librarianship contradicts traditional ideals of free and equal access to information and argues that such a model threatens the future of the library as a vital public sphere of democratic culture. Discusses broad trends of advanced capitalism to provide a context for the critical interpretation of issues…

In 1978, 1983, and 1988, the publications of library and information science faculty were counted, categorized by content, and analyzed by rank and sex, per capita publication rates, and proportion of library science and information science literature. Findings show gains in productivity, higher rates by men, and integration of the sciences.…

Reviews the historical background and current trends of library- and information science-education in Japan. Analyzes the various types of curriculum and the teaching staff of these institutions, while identifying factors influencing library and information-science education. Mentions present issues of the education system and discusses future…

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)

A "public" member of the American Library Association's Committee on Accreditation examines trends in library education across the country, and what this means for library and information science in the future. Discusses observations and issues in terms of mission, goals, and objectives; curriculum; faculty; students; administration and financial…

This paper represents the state of the art of research in library science on professional competencies for academic, public and special libraries since 1985. The seminal research study done on librarian competencies was conducted in 1983-86 by King Research. The goal of the study was to identify the type of skills and knowledge that information…

This book provides information science students and librarians the background and techniques they need to meet the challenges of the library profession today. The book begins with a discussion of the practice of librarianship and the place of libraries within the broader perspective of the information superstructure. Topics covered include the…

Examines some of the trends affecting library school students today. Discusses distance education; accreditation; certification and credentialing; specialized master's degree programs; reappearance of undergraduate degree programs; special libraries courses; library educators; and continuing education. (AEF)