Reviews issues surrounding ethical determinations of the credibility of online materials. Highlights include the volume of Web material; the self-sustaining nature of the Internet; the speed of growth and dispersion of information available; recognizing credible sources; and defining credibility, including timeliness and comprehensiveness. (LRW)

Discussion of the use of mathematical tools in library and information science focuses on information retrieval applications of fuzzy set theory. Topics include fuzzy set theory in informetrics and bibliometrics; and the literature of fuzzy set theory. (Contains 87 references.) (LRW)

Introduces a scientometric model (ISI-S model) for describing the institutionalization process of scientific information. ISI-S describes the information and knowledge systems of scientific publications as a global network of interdependent information and knowledge clusters that are dynamically changing by their content and size. (Author/LRW)

Shows how a philosophical analysis of the moral value of information can help librarians rethink some aspects of their professional values, especially their commitment to neutrality. Discusses the historical background of allowing fiction into library collections; the impact of technology; the moral character of information; and information,…

Proposes a model called information genetics to elaborate on the origin of information generating. Explains conceptual and data models; and describes a software program that was developed for citation data mining, infomapping, and information repackaging for total quality knowledge management in Web representation. (Contains 112 references.)…

Discusses barriers to the implementation of quality management in the library and information science sector in Europe. Topics include Total Quality Management and other business experiences, an information quality infrastructure, supplier/customer relations, customer satisfaction, and a European Quality Model. (LRW)

Describes a methodology for developing bibliometric performance indicators which provide a framework or paradigm for application-oriented research in the field of evaluation quantitative science and technology studies, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. Aims at identifying characteristics of scholarly publications that reflect…

Combines ideas from mythology, folklore, and library and information science to conclude that information overload is a myth of modern culture. Reports results of a pilot project intended to describe information overload experienced by a particular folk group composed of future library and information professionals. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the history and evolution of information ethics at the University of Pittsburgh and describes a course that was developed in the School of Information Sciences that includes the need for moral instruction and ethical reflection, resolving moral dilemmas, and ethical issues in librarianship, information technology, and management.…

Discusses philosophical connections between traditional librarianship and the nontraditional online professional and describes similar and different skills used in the two professions (sales/motivational skills, investigative reference skills, needs assessment, ability to handle details). Factors to consider in choosing an online-industry job and…

Discussion of postmodernism and bibliographic instruction in academic libraries is based on a prospectus for an experimental information course at Evergreen State College (Washington). Highlights include structural bibliographic instruction, including a taxonomic model; discourse analysis and bibliographic instruction; composition and…

Reviews factors that are changing ways in which medical librarians and health information specialists are educated. Employment sites for medical librarians are listed; current faculty and coursework at library and information science programs in the United States and Canada are discussed; doctoral research is described; and medical informatics is…

Argues that librarianship, which is intimately involved with the communication of knowledge, is thereby deeply involved with the mind-body problem of philosophy, and that this relationship constitutes the major philosophical issue of the library profession in this century. Psychophysical interactionism is discussed in the context of philosophy of…

Addresses ways to reexamine the world of information from small world perspectives and suggests implications for public libraries. Highlights include a conceptual scheme to examine small world lives, including social norms, world views, social types, and information behavior; and ethnographic inquiries to illustrate how qualitative methodology can…

Summarizes the accreditation process of library and information science education programs by the American Library Association/Committee on Accreditation as the context for review of accreditation standards; and discusses current status of accreditation and the divergent trends related to increasing and decreasing expectations of accreditation.…