The condition of the private library in the United States is precarious as great book collections are passed increasingly from the private sector to institutions. (4 references) (Author/RS)

Demonstrates factors involved in moving a university library to a new location, based on experiences at the University of Kentucky. Some logistics of a move include the following: the collection has to be measured and its destination determined; a book that is relabeled should be handled only five times; book carts must avoid gridlock; getting it…

Public library services to children have made great contributions in the past and should be preserved at all costs. (5 references) (AB)

Describes introduction of books on tape at Oskaloosa (Iowa) Public Library, highlighting determination of audience and use, display of recorded books, packaging of tapes, cataloging, and quality of tapes. A list of 19 production companies and six distributors noting address, telephone number, type of cassettes, and price range is included. (EJS)

Excerpts from the relevant sections of the discussion of the New York Library Association meeting and the position paper of the Regents of the University of the state of New York on transferring library service to children to elementary school media centers are presented. (AB)

A plea for change in library service to prisoners by an inmate of a correctional institution. (JB)

Interesting and gratifying results occur when elementary pupils help evaluate and select library books. (Author)

Describes experiences at the Arkansas State University at Jonesboro library when mold was discovered in a large portion of the monograph collection. Discusses causes of mold formation, equipment needed, news media coverage, staff involvement in the cleanup, and possible health hazards from mold. (LRW)

Describes the development of Books for Africa, an organization that solicits donations of books in the United States and sends them to Africa, largely to school libraries, to improve literacy rates, increase library holdings, and build library shelves. Other organizations that donate books are also listed. (LRW)

Discusses the growing problem of theft of library materials, including rare books, by both scholarly researchers and library staff. Complacence of librarians and their failure to act in the past is also discussed, as well as the effects of tightened security measures on the traditional trust between librarians and researchers. (CLB)

Raises questions regarding the Notable Books project. (AB)

Discussion of the role of librarians focuses on three more traditional aspects of librarianship that are still important in the midst of new technology: (1) the study of the book and its role in our culture; (2) reading and its role in the inner life; and (3) reading guidance. (Contains 16 references.) (LRW)

Argues that librarians must strive to unlock people's minds from an early age with the power of the printed word, and urges them to be active advocates for children, to speak out for children's rights to read, to become educated, and to succeed. It is suggested that librarians mobilize through involvement in professional associations. (SD)

Summarizes viewpoints of librarians, booksellers, lawyers, and law enforcement agents attending conference on book theft sponsored by Oberlin College and Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America. Trust between librarians and dealers in rare books, importance of disclosure, visible marking of books, closed stacks, and dealing with law…

The Communications Director of the American Library Association (ALA) offers five reasons librarians should claim literacy as their top professional mission: the "America Reads Challenge" to ensure that all 8-year-olds can read by the year 2000; the ALA's experience in literacy programs; the issue's universality; the success of past…