The American Library Association's "National Directory: Library Paraprofessional Associations" (1996 edition) lists 46 active library paraprofessional associations or subsidiary groups in the United States. Reviews reasons why paraprofessionals began forming associations, compares selected associations, and examines their place within…

The issue of standards for special libraries is discussed, highlighting surveys conducted concerning the diversity of special libraries and salaries of members of the Special Libraries Association (SLA). Efforts of SLA's Standards and Statistics Committee are noted. Twenty references are listed. (EJS)

Outline of the development of state libraries focuses on funding, the establishment of standards by the American Association of State Libraries in 1963 with revision in 1970, and strengths and weaknesses of the present standards; suggestions for revisions of the 1970 standards are included. Twelve references are noted. (EJS)

Examines why librarians join professional associations. Although a literature review finds little research on the topic, the author's survey concludes that many factors influence decisions. Questions focus on which library associations respondents belong to; factors influencing decisions to join; reasons for not belonging; and reasons for dropping…

Notes developments over the past decade in Canadian library standards for public libraries, university and college libraries, school libraries, special libraries, national libraries, cooperation among libraries, and standardization in educational programs for library personnel. Forty-eight references are provided. (EJS)