Scepticism is a form of philosophy to be adopted by libraries which will accommodate all dogmas regarding library missions but will assent to none. (AB)

This essay addressing problems of library collection weeding suggests that as countermeasure to damage already done, every public library should establish a substantial American Heritage collection of classic Anglo-American authors up to 1900. Inexperienced librarians, rare books and historic preservation, patron complaints, interlibrary loan, and…

Some bracing thoughts and suggested guidelines on the delicate relationship between publishers and reviewers are presented by the president of a small, independent trade house. (Author/KE)

A listing of thirty representative publishers of American right, radical right, conservative and right wing materials. (AB)

Three librarians give their impressions of sales representatives who work at library conventions. Henry Stewart discusses how they can be knowledgeable information sources about current products and services; Susan Martin describes how library automation vendors can help librarians learn about new technology; and Peggy Sullivan discusses the…

The author relates a chronological account of a recent censorship incident in Tulsa, Oklahoma and evaluates six factors which determined the turn of events. (AB)

Teenage fiction is a rapidly growing segment of American book publishing. Current books are listed and briefly evaluated taking into account the special problems and concerns of the adolescent. (35 references) (DH)

Presents responses to 10 common arguments against the use of Internet filters in libraries. Highlights include keyword blocking; selection of materials; liability of libraries using filters; users' judgments; Constitutional issues, including First Amendment rights; and censorship. (LRW)

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

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…

Presents guidelines developed at Cornell University for selection of compact-disc databases for public use in libraries. Criteria are suggested for the following areas: (1) collection development; (2) administrative considerations; (3) vendor considerations; (4) search capabilities; and (5) ease of use. One reference is listed. (MES)

Discusses libraries and issues relating to censorship, social protest, and First Amendment rights. Topics addressed include materials selection based on objective criteria; removing inappropriate material; intellectual freedom; limited versus absolute censorship; and possible errors in selection decisions. (LRW)

Considers issues relating to children's access to information on the Internet in public libraries. Topics include censorship versus selection; First Amendment rights; the American Library Association's challenge to the Communications Decency Act; filtering software; and the role of the public library. (LRW)

Examines the American Library Association (ALA) Code of Ethics and considers possible reforms. Topics discussed include distinctions between professional and nonprofessional occupations; other professions' codes of ethics; the code of the AAUP (American Association of University Professors) as a model; hierarchical corporate models; intellectual…