Suggests some key distinctions to be made in looking toward a common ground of core values for guidance and meaning in the world of library leadership today. Discusses core values of the importance of words, people, and learning. (Author/LRW)

Presents two personal views of mentors in the field of librarianship who reflect enduring professional values. Errett McDiarmid, former ALA (American Library Association) president, and Russ Emele, former director of libraries at East Stroudsburg State College (Pennsylvania) are remembered for their contributions to the profession. (LRW)

This essay on library terminology and jargon highlights the names of files encountered in one library, expressions used during presentations at the most recent American Library Association Annual Conference, job titles, journal abstracts, and other genera of double-talk that can profitably be used to reduce comprehension. Twelve references are…

Argues that librarianship is intimately connected to the structures and thought patterns of bibliographic control and that bibliographic control should be the theme for all practical coursework in library education. A sample syllabus is proposed. (EA)

Discusses Leon Trotsky's views on libraries, librarians, and librarianship in Soviet society in the 1920s as expressed in a speech, "Leninism and Library Work." Topics discussed include role of librarian in promoting literacy, including the use of maps and reference books to explain newspaper stories; the selection of books; and fighting…

After investigating the offerings of library schools and observing the research trends of their doctoral students, this author believes that library education needs a basic theory course to familiarize future professionals with the intellectual history and seminal thinkers of the field. (EA)

The library profession's attitude regarding national and international issues, and issues within the profession during the last decade are recalled. (MBR)

Discusses the future of the library profession and suggests that librarianship could become marginalized (i.e., its significance could be diminished) as a result of automation if librarians do not broaden their vision and keep pace with technology. The roles of libraries, librarians, and library automation in an infrastructure for information…

Discusses how core values in the library profession present dilemmas when they come into conflict, since there is no established hierarchy of values. Notes that these values are further challenged by the Internet. Argues that the survival of libraries is critically dependent on information professionals effectively dealing with conflicts in these…

Examines issues arising from recent controversy associated with American Library Association's (ALA) support of MLS degree as minimum requirement for professional employment. Highlights include ALA involvement in legal cases and viewpoints of ALA groups focusing on goals, constituency and handling of conflict versus nature of librarianship and its…

Outlines the arguments of the author's 1992 book, "Librarianship: The Erosion of a Woman's Profession," which explores the changes underway in librarianship. The importance of acknowledging the abilities of professional librarians, recommitting to direct service with clients, and advocating for the public's right to information are stressed. (EAM)

Discusses the role of librarians in university and research libraries, noting basic personal qualifications (problem-solving and managerial abilities, undergraduate preparation), and basic assumptions that must underlie planning for library education programs to produce professionals prepared to cope with the real world. (EJS)

Only 1 in 20 library directors serving communities of fewer than 2,500 people have an Master of Library Science degree or equivalent. This article examines problems facing small and rural public libraries and the necessity for a new form of librarianship brought about by the Internet. Proposes a professional action plan for library staff…

Discusses the closings of the University of Chicago Graduate Library School and Columbia University's School of Library Science. Topics addressed include faculty balance; feedback between library schools, the profession itself, and the outside world; market sensitivity; public versus private schools; and accreditation standards. (Three references)…

Suggests that the crisis in library education stems from the focus on practical applications promoted by Melvil Dewey. In order to adapt to the changing world of information, the profession must develop new theoretical approaches and reform library school curricula to reflect these new theories of librarianship. (JKP)