Discusses the development of a management technique that combats the impact of organizational retrenchment and its practical applications within special libraries and as an aid to survival of the parent organization. Five major classes of strategies are outlined--resource development, productivity, economy measures, interorganizational…

Distinguishes between Knowledge and Information, emphasizes the importance of the distinction and the dangers of failing to recognize it, and argues for defining libraries as "Fortresses of Knowledge." (JD)

Discusses two ways that perceptions concerning effectiveness of special libraries and information centers can be changed--change methods used to account for library financially and change provision of services to better meet users' needs. Seven steps for increasing real and perceived value of library to organization are proposed. (11 sources) (EJS)

As technology permeates the special library, new requirements will emerge to integrate staff, equipment, and systems and establish connections between information resources and people. Being library managers in special libraries of tomorrow means mastering fundamentals of cost accounting, strategic planning, technological change, and behavioral…

Encapsulates a wrap-up session on technical programs presented at the Special Libraries Association's June 1987 conference, including presentations in the areas of information technology, management, education, and international issues. Ethics, value, leadership, international issues, image, and risk are identified as major themes of the…

This examination of the position of the special library and its services in the corporate setting highlights reasons why libraries are often taken for granted, library's role in corporate financial calculations, generalizations concerning librarian characteristics, and situations that may indicate trouble for a library that is not serving its…

Provides background on the establishment of the Congressional Research Service, focusing on the growth of reference services and special librarianship during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The contributions of Melvil Dewey and Charles McCarthy, as well as legislative reference work in the Library of Congress, are discussed. (10…

Presents overview of special considerations in developing microcomputer software collections, review of standardized cataloging practices, and discussion of problems of selection and acquisition of software. Policies governing loan procedures for microcomputer software which involve four types of copy protection (patent, trade secret, contract,…

Examines the objectives and structure of two-part end-user training program (classroom instruction, individualized hands-on training), which introduces scientists to fundamentals of literature searching, including both printed and online sources of scientific information. Brief history and future directions of the program are noted. Sample Amoco…

Proposes that the library profession will, in the near future, divide into two tracks--the traditional librarian and the information manager. Recommendations for adapting to this change are included: (1) technological literacy; (2) career planning; (3) changes in library education; (4) accountability for information; and (5) a more positive public…

Describes two special collections focusing on postharvest systems of handling, transportation, storage, and marketing of food and feed grain. Highlights include information needs of developing countries (e.g., Egypt, Honduras, Pakistan), and information center activities (communication and marketing, collection building, interpreting client needs,…

Three articles discuss aspects of corporate information systems: (1) "Packet Switching Networks: Worldwide Access to Corporate Datafiles" (Kurt O. Baumgartner); "Classified Documents in the Corporate Library" (Patricia M. Shores); and "From Library to Information Center: Case Studies in the Evolution of Corporate…

This investigation of library employees who spend significant portion of time in online computer interaction provides information on intellectual, psychological, social, and physical aspects of their work. Long- and short-term effects of special libraries are identified and solutions to "technostress" problems are suggested. (16…

The seven articles in this theme issue discuss the second White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS) and its possible impact on special librarians and information specialists. Highlights include a historical perspective; the three themes of the conference, i.e., literacy, productivity, and democracy; and perspectives from…

Description of impact of various technological trends on Canadian special libraries provides brief descriptions of innovative techniques and services developed to meet the challenges. Access to information, "qualitization" of output, support for nodal executive, training function, integration of information flows, charging for…