Discusses the factors that led to the rise of the Arabic-Islamic libraries during the seventh through fourteenth centuries. The most famous libraries are identified, the management and organization of these libraries are described, and the factors behind the destruction of the Arabic-Islamic libraries are discussed. (30 references) (CLB)

Reviews the establishment of the Western Regional Ministry of Justice in Nigeria and the subsequent development of law libraries to aid that agency. The functions of the ministry, staffing, and services of the law libraries, and the establishment of a printing office for government publications are described. (5 references) (CLB)

Discusses objectives set forth in "Status of Librarianship in the USSR" adopted by Decree of Presidium of Supreme Soviet of USSR of March 13, 1984, to consolidate Leninist principles of library work as unified system. Organization of country's libraries, effective formation of library collections, library services, and bibliographic…

Discussion of the role of academic libraries in curriculum development activities focuses on their role in Nigeria. Relevant literature is reviewed; the Nigerian higher education system is explained; criteria used by accreditation teams are examined; and suggestions for improving and increasing the roles of academic libraries are offered. (22…

Examines the involvement of public and village libraries in literacy and postliteracy programs in Africa south of the Sahara during the last two decades. Issues discussed include the extent of illiteracy in Black Africa, populations served by village libraries, African rural strategies of development, and the implications for library services. (44…

Reviews the positive effects of patient education, including the physician patient relationship, improvements in health status, and cost effectiveness. The status of hospital libraries in Nigeria is described, and suggestions for the implementation of patient education programs are made. (5 references) (CLB)

Describes aspects of several libraries in Rio de Janeiro. Topics covered include library policies, budgets, periodicals and books in the collections, classification schemes used, and literary areas of interest to patrons. (6 references) (CLB)

Compares differences in the use of technology, attitudes toward it, and educational experiences of librarians between libraries in Europe and the United States, and between countries within Europe. The issues discussed include decentralization, bureaucratic versus professional staff, the use of technology for scientific versus humanities…

Discusses the roles academic and public libraries can play in the process of economic restructuring and development. A business school library in Hungary is described, and its role in economic restructuring and the education of future managers is discussed; and the role of public libraries in the United States is examined. (four references) (LRW)

Discusses factors that influence the development of university libraries in general, and university libraries in China specifically. It is argued that the development of university libraries in China needs to be coordinated with the development and environment of the entire university, and to be based on existing and latent abilities. (CLB)

Reviews the special problems of libraries and librarianship in developing countries, and the problems specific to the Arab speaking countries. Deficiencies in information policy formation, library planning and education, and government support of libraries are discussed; attempts to rectify the situation are described; and needed research is…

Describes the role of and services offered by the Institute of Diplomatic Studies Library in Saudi Arabia. Topics covered include the objectives of the institute and the library facilities, collections, acquisitions programs, cataloging procedures, administrative policies, and future plans. (seven references) (CLB)

Examines the library profession from a cross cultural perspective in order to explain how and why librarians define their work the way they do. The efforts of librarians to gain professional recognition are discussed as a means of understanding how librarians view their role and how they are ultimately affecting their society. (CLB)

A British consultant describes the planning involved in the development of a new public library in Greece. The organization of public libraries in Greece is explained; the community to be served is described; and planning issues are addressed, including the library role, the organization of library materials, and automation. (three references)…

Compares the role of a school library in an ideal situation and the situation in Kenya. The lack of school policies, lack of recognition, insufficient funding, and lack of qualified personnel are cited as factors responsible for the poor performance of school libraries in Kenya. (CLB)