As published critics of Hennen's American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR), the authors propose a new ranking system that focuses more transparently on ranking libraries based on their performance. These annual rankings are intended to contribute to self-evaluation and peer comparison, prompt questions about the statistics and how to improve them,…

Despite setbacks and hazards, libraries today are a more vital and a more appreciated part of our lives than ever before. (Author/NH)

On the assumption that the physical properties of any information stock (book, etc.) offer the best foundation on which to develop satisfactory measurements for assessing library operations and developing library procedures, weight is suggested as the most useful variable for assessment and standardization. Advantages of this approach are…

The porposed replacement of the Library Bill of Rights concept of librarianship by a social responsibility concept poses a fundamental question for American librarians: do the advantages of free access to all information for every person in our society outweigh the disadvantages? (7 references) (Author/NH)

Besides the main article by Richard Dougherty, this mini-symposium on library cooperation contains commentaries by Ralph Blasingame, Thomas J. Galvin, Ellsworth Mason, John F. Anderson and Robert S. Ake. (18 references) (NH)

The imperatives of the opening age of computer assisted library service requires the adoption of this standard. Much of the international bibliographical and cataloging world has already seen the light. Shall we lag far behind? (Author/NH)

The author, a working librarian-programmer, wonders how such a far-reaching recommended standard could have reached this advanced stage of development with so little public notice. (38 references) (Author/NH)

This is the first part of a two-part article on library education. It deals with the historical bases for the development of certain traditions in higher education and education for librarianship. (Author/NH)

Describes how United Technologies Corporation (UTC) is restructuring its library and information services. Outlines the UTC information network model that divides library staff into three groups: information managers, research analysts, and knowledge facilitators (global information support, printed resources group, and INET--information…