Questions the future of the Master of Library Science (MLS) Degree in a field which in the past has criticized and doubted its professionalism. At a conference sponsored by the Association for Library and Information Science Education, educators and librarians discussed problems of the field and projected areas of change. (CDD)

Considers the changing roles of public libraries and challenges facing them in the future. Topics include core skills needed by library professionals, print and nonprint materials, the inclusion of new formats, blending traditional and electronic library resources, the expanded roles and responsibilities of librarians, meeting user needs, and…

Predicts that library cooperation, in its developed form, will involve state or regional electronic libraries having the following minimum components: (1) a short record automated system which will record the holdings of each member library, (2) an efficient document delivery system, and (3) a complete bibliographic system. (LLS)

Discusses the impact of technology on the profession of librarianship and suggests changes that are necessary for librarians to adapt to their changing role. Topics addressed include focusing on the mission of librarianship, i.e., providing access to information; librarians' sense of self-worth; educational requirements; and technological…

Discusses results of a survey that compared visions of library leaders to public attitudes about libraries and technology. Topics include conflict between the personal image of libraries versus impersonal technology; the need for reassurance that reading is not being replaced by computers; and the role of the librarian and the library. (LRW)

A commentary on the need for the library profession to remain flexible when planning future library services and programs. Because of rapid technological, economic, and social changes, it is suggested that earlier decisions regarding national programs should be reassessed and different directions taken. (JPF)

Argues that libraries will become extinct in the future if they do not take on a more active role in serving the information needs of patrons, and advocates the development of expertise at switching centers for electronic information. Seven references are listed. (LLS)

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…

Ameritech provides automated systems to academic and public libraries which in turn provide services to communities. It has identified library marketplace trends, including increases in use of electronic resources; interconnectivity of resources; number of remote users; and expectations regarding access to online catalogs, full-text documents, and…

Describes the Ohio State University Libraries' Gateway to Information project, which was developed to help users find, evaluate, and select materials in any format; access online catalogs and CD-ROM databases; and apply information seeking and critical thinking skills independently. Funding support is discussed and Gateway's impact on the future…

Foresight and planning in adopting any automated system helps to keep options open for future changes due to changing needs. The promise of future technology should not keep libraries from deciding to use the technology of today. (Author/MBR)

Discussion of the possible changes in Hong Kong in 1997 when rule passes to the People's Republic of China focuses on the uncertain future of libraries and librarians. Topics discussed include the political climate; the departure of qualified Chinese librarians; and the growth of libraries and computerized systems. (LRW)

Addresses information versus library science and examines what the dispute over graduate education means for librarianship. Describes three arguments for maintaining a balance between library science and information science and the land-grant university ethic. A sidebar contains an interview with Ken Haycock focusing on what to expect from the…

Reviews the history of the National Union Catalog and the publication of the Pre-1956 Imprints. The roles of the ALA and Mansell Publishing in the completion of what is probably the last large-scale nonautomated bibliographic project, editorial problems, and the role of automation in future projects are discussed. (JL)

Reports on second White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS2), which was held in July 1991. Highlights include discussions of the conference themes of literacy, productivity, and democracy; speaker's remarks, including those of President George Bush; a Joint Congressional Hearing on Library and Information Services; and a…