Argues that if librarianship is to change its outside perceptions, it must first change its self-perceptions. Three areas in which true professions that demand recognition and respect have established clearly visible ground rules are highlighted: (1) credentials and librarianship as a profession or trade, (2) research, and (3) continuing…

There's a lot of focus on the "Next Gen" librarians out there bringing a youth perspective that's supposed to shake things up and introducing new ideas and practices into a profession that sometimes moves forward at a glacial pace. But the ideas of the new generation do not invalidate the work done by those who came before. In fact, change in…

This discussion of the place of research in the field of library science notes empirical and scientific research; testing, analysis, and research design; theories and methodologies from other disciplines; the dilemma of quantification; library research needs; and the search for an audience. Twenty-six references are cited. (EJS)

Presents the rationale, method, results, analysis, and discussion of a survey of public libraries in the United States and Canada which asked for sex of director, director's salary, director's length of tenure, size of population served, per capita support, and beginning professional salary. This study extends work by Carpenter and Shearer (1972).…

Presents results from the 48th annual "Library Journal" Placements and Salaries Survey (1998). Discusses job trends; increasing salaries; decrease in placements; and graduate responses. Eight tables provide results. A sidebar by Norman Oder profiles a 1998 graduate from the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of…

Reports the results of a survey of librarian job satisfaction that covered librarians' perceptions of their jobs, compensation and benefits, advancement opportunities, and technological challenges. Statistics on average salaries, benefits, salaries by gender, advancement opportunities, and staff cuts are presented by library type. Gender…

After entering as a "bit player" among feudal lords, she became an honored, celebrated campus leader. Building and repositioning the library, Susan Nutter brought it from what one senior professor called "an embarrassment" to its current role and site, a central force and place in the academic enterprise at North Carolina State…

In 2003, during the Biennial migration of academic librarians to the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) conference, several of the programs in Charlotte, NC, discussed the recruitment and retention of the next generation but with an obvious lack of input from newly recruited librarians. In response, with Liza Posas, a library…

Reading is the key for reference librarians to increase general and subject knowledge for continuing professional growth. Continuing education has been limited in practice and thinking to the technical aspects of the profession. (RAA)

Presents the expectations of academic research libraries in the hiring of entry level librarians relative to academic and work experience. Results of a survey indicate that skills in management, automation, research, and writing are highly desirable. (RAA)

Addresses problem of vertical stratification (belief that career path must be pursued in one type of library) in academic research librarianship. Highlights include job opportunities; misconceptions concerning inappropriate specialization and nature of academic research library management; consequences of institutional, individual, and…

Describes underlying rationale of program designed to offer recent library school graduates special training opportunities that focus on current issues, trends, and developments in academic librarianship. Recruitment, educational component of program, roles of supervisors and project director, and comments from three residents (expectations,…

Explores current pressures for research libraries to adopt new technologies, myths that impede progress, the question of what resources and search strategies researchers tend to rely on, and attitudes of faculty toward librarians and library services. User needs, convenience, and timeliness in providing library services are emphasized, and…