Library advocacy in one of two directions is the top priority of both Camila Alire and J. Linda Williams, the candidates campaigning to capture the 2009-10 term as president of the American Library Association (ALA). Alire, dean emeritus of the libraries of both the University of New Mexico and Colorado State University, will push for enhancements…

Despite having helped countless patrons over the past ten years, the author relates that her experiences as a librarian have not entirely satisfied her "library evangelist" nature. She wanted to expose more people to the treasures available through academic, public, school, and special libraries. As such, she turned to teaching in library school…

In this article, the author revisits 11 graduates who were profiled as part of LJ's annual Placements & Salaries issue. Armed with a library science degree from various institutions, they had just secured jobs in librarianship and were off to a good start forging their careers. Since then, they have worked at elementary school, college, and…

A report to the profession on the status of the urban information specialist project at the University of Maryland is presented. (Author)

Presents views of eight library jobs considered to be among the most desirable based on an informal poll of over 50 librarians. Directors of public libraries, the Librarian of Congress, state librarians, special librarians, and reference librarians are profiled, and a list of 22 additional desirable jobs is included. (LRW)

The concept of intellectual freedom, and its presence or lack of presence in library education programs, is discussed. (KP)

Reports on the American Library Association's 1992 Midwinter Meeting. Topics discussed include the Kreimer v. Morristown case and its possible ramifications for other libraries dealing with homeless and other problem patrons; the White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS); National Research and Education Network (NREN);…

Library schools need to address the question of professional preparation in relation to their present programs. In addition to the author, statements are made by Ralph Blasingame, Martha Boaz, George Bobinski, Margaret Chisholm, Guy Garrison, Norman Horrocks, Jean Lowrie, Kenneth Shaffer, Roy Stokes, and William Summers. (4 references) (SJ)

Data compiled on directors of 180 United States academic and public libraries in areas of undergraduate majors, library schools attended, degrees held, first professional positions, selected characteristics of males and females, and selected characteristics of younger and older directors reveals that, in 1981, typical head librarian was a…

The theme for the AALS annual conference was Research and Legislation in Library Education.'' The conference programs are reported. (NH)

To transform humanists with Ph.D.'s into academic librarians is the purpose of an initiative recently launched by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR). The equivalent of an apprenticeship, the program revolves postdoctoral work in an academic library in lieu of earning a master's degree from a library and information studies…

Presents the fortieth annual report of placements and salaries of graduates of American Library Association-accredited library school programs from 42 of the 52 eligible institutions. Eleven tables profile placements and salaries by library type and geographical region and present comparison summaries of high, low, and average salaries. (MAB)

Discusses two basic cultures within the library science field, one that emphasizes "soft-edged" traditional service and the other newer culture which has evolved around information technology and entrepreneurial drive. Topics include historical background; university pressures on library schools to be "tech-oriented";…

Discusses the changing environment in which libraries and library schools exist, noting master of library science (MLS) programs; extended programs including a field experience (University of California, University of North Carolina); post-MLS internships; and the research library residency program offered by the University of Michigan Library.…