This paper proposes changes in the use of the catalog and the model upon which it rests. The first section describes why these changes are necessary if the library is to transition effectively into the digital age, including: the disruptive context caused by technological change; the costs associated with the catalog; the changing nature of…

This review traces the history of the public library's role in the diffusion of information about American culture, surveys the influence of that role on library education, and describes five models which reflect the range of cultural roles presently being fulfilled in libraries and which identify the knowledge and skills librarians need to…

This special issue of "ARL: A Bimonthly Report" contains the remarks that William G. Bowen delivered to the research library community in October 2005 at the 147th Membership Meeting of ARL. For the past 17 years Dr. Bowen has served as President of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. In these remarks, entitled "New Times Always; Old Time We Cannot…

Discusses a paradigm for academic librarianship that requires greater sensitivity to and identification with needs of library users. Centrality of library academic community is questioned, noting insistence of librarians on independent status of library and failure of bibliographic instruction programs to make issue of critical thinking top…

Discusses the need for strategic goal setting for libraries and information services and the relationship of this process to evolving technologies. The role of the library in a changing society is examined, the value of library services is considered, and a model for change is proposed. (nine references) (LRW)

This presentation addresses the issues of change in perception of the role and program of modern school library and information services (SLIS). A brief review of the various aspects of school librarianship over the past decade is addressed from the global perspective. The purpose and function of the modern SLIS is examined. The role of the…

Presents preliminary results of a survey that explored public library roles in the use of Internet/NREN (National Research and Education Network) services. Key issues are identified, including risks and barriers to network use, access, suggested services, professional association role, and committing resources; and recommendations to facilitate…

This paper discusses valuing information and its supporting technologies in the global environment. Different value propositions are explored from a financial, social, cultural, political, economic, corporate, and personal values perspective. Various means of measuring the relevancy of these value propositions to the individual, organization or…

Compares three system models (closed, open, dissipative) with traditional models for adoption of new technology and library operations. Argues that information-provider organizations (libraries) must be able to adapt to radical changes in their environments in order to remain viable economic entities. (Author/AEF)

This paper discusses how the authority control performed by libraries can help the World Wide Web and suggests some next steps in making this resource of authority records available and used internationally. Topics addressed include: (1) characteristics of the Web; (2) precision and recall; (3) connecting international authority files, including a…

Discusses issues raised by the development of remote reference. Two scenarios are proposed: (1) how Internet users and their information-seeking behavior challenge the traditional reference service model, its value system, and the librarian role in that model, and (2) a model of close linkages between librarians and users engaged as partners along…

This paper discusses performance measurement in university libraries, based on examples from the University of Wollongong (UoW) in Australia. The introduction highlights the integration of information literacy into the curriculum and the outcomes of a 1998 UoW student satisfaction survey. The first section considers performance indicators in…

This paper provides a framework for a plan for the utilization of technology in a school district. An example of a set of proficiencies for the use of computers by students at various grade levels is offered as a model for the computer literacy component of a district master plan. Other components discussed are the supervision and management of…

Arguing that traditional models are no longer effective in the information, age in which change will be a constant, this paper advocates the use of team-management to ensure two-way communication in an academic library. The need for both creative approaches to problem-solving and managing the library organization and a new organizational structure…

This paper presents an action research case study that provides a model for implementation of information literacy standards. The first section is a brief overview of action research. The second section provides demographic background on Redwood High School (California), the site of the action research. The paper then discusses the need for…