Explores and critiques an information paradigm that is currently being proposed in the library literature, and looks at its potential impact on research and policy issues of major concern to librarians and library educators. (CLB)

Argues that in an age of information overload, the public library role is to promote books and reading and warns that public libraries that focus on technologies and information services will become cogs in the engine of material progress rather than fulfilling their role as sources of knowledge. (19 references) (EJS)

Systematically examines the provision of health information in Ontario's larger public libraries. The survey, which elicited a 90 percent response rate, showed that health requests accounted for about 8 percent of all reference questions. The major problems faced by public librarians in providing health information were incomplete or unclear…

This assessment of the state of library and information science research in the United Kingdom, which was presented at a joint conference of two Canadian professional associations, focuses on functions of the British Library's Research and Development Department. The importance of research and dissemination of its findings are also discussed. (CDD)