The past twenty years have brought notable advances in bibliography, publications, legislation, standards, collections, buildings, intellectual freedom, international relations, interlibrary cooperation, information science -- the bones and sinews of good library serivce. (24 references) (Author)

The 1972 midwinter meeting of the American Library Association (ALA) in Chicago is analyzed and reported upon. (SJ)

ALA could move forward by becoming an association of libraries in fact as well as in spirit. (Author)

Six outstanding librarians comment on the Mission Statement from ALA's Public Library Association Goals, Guidelines, and Standards Committee. (JPF)

The texts of statements delivered on August 21, 1972 and September 27, 1972, are presented. (SJ)

The programs, activities and development of the Canadian Library Association and the libraries of Canada from 1952 to 1972 are reviewed. (SJ)

Expresses concerns that American library interests suffer from a diffusion of energy and lack of focus so severe as to weaken the library position both nationally and globally. Establishing a national focal point to coordinate the activities of the various library and information service organizations is addressed. (JPF)

ALA's Public Library Association Goals, Guidelines, and Standards Committee presents this interim document--the first in over a decade to guide public library managers and lay decision-makers in assessing public library services--for review by the public library community. (Author/JPF)

The American Library Association, always alert to its international library responsibilities, has been intensively active since 1942, its early activities heavily financed by foundation support, its later activities, since 1967, by the association and the U.S. government. (Author)

Introduces information request form developed by Cooperative Reference Services Committee of American Library Association's Reference and Adult Services Division to be used whenever a library cannot supply information requested by a patron and would like to ask another library for assistance. Front of proposed form with sample question is shown.…

Religious library associations offer practical advice, preserve the literature on microfilm, publish useful books and brochures, and index and digitize key religious journals. The services of six varied library associations are described. A sidebar presents contact information for the six associations. (AEF)

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…