This article describes the roles of librarians in a research library, particularly in the digital era. Librarians' roles vary from the custodian of resources to providers of a diverse nature of activities ranging from collection development, organization of knowledge, information services, preservation and conservation, and management. Librarians…

This paper is based on two fundamental premises: (1) that the characteristics inherent in information (reproductivity, volatility, and value) combined with the technical capability provided by the new information technology (access, storage, communication, and control) have created the prospect of a new range of internal and external networking…

This paper discusses transformational change in academic libraries, as digital technology alters how services are provided, research is conducted, and learning occurs. Highlights include: advantages of libraries over the World Wide Web; redefining the knowledge management paradigm; two different types of information (i.e., explicit and tacit); a…

Based on an analysis of the direction of library development and changes in librarians' social functions, this paper presents some key measures in the reform of library and information science education. The first section discusses the developing direction of the library cause under the network environment. The second section covers librarians'…

Asserts that the increasing imperative to prepare students to be globally competitive has increased the importance of the link between community college faculty and their library colleagues. Many of the information resources that facilitate course development use information technology to provide substance and access points for faculty and…

Discusses user education in China's academic libraries in light of educational reform and the changing role of academic libraries. Describes information technology developments, objectives of user education, and the emphasis on computerbased searching in the Tsinghua University library. (LRW)

The purpose behind the Russian-American Seminar on Critical Thinking was to bring together librarians from both countries to provide an East-West perspective on the issue of critical thinking. This document presents 16 papers from the seminar as well as introductory remarks from a Russian and an American participant. Papers are as follows:…

Describes the impact of information technology on higher education. Highlights include balancing the educational mission between research, teaching, and service; accountability; the growing knowledge base; limited resources; the influence of universities on economic development; systemic change; strategic planning; learning environments;…

Eight papers are presented from the 1995 CAUSE conference track on academic computing and library issues faced by managers of information technology at colleges and universities. The papers include: (1) "Where's the Beef?: Implementation of Discipline-Specific Training on Internet Resources" (Priscilla Hancock and others); (2)…

This paper discusses developments in information and communications technologies and their impact on university libraries. Topics addressed include: (1) background, including the Information Revolution, the Knowledge Economy, implications for education and information services, and responses to the challenges of globalization; (2) university…

Discussion of new educational information technology applications focuses on faculty use and the gap between expectations and available time and resources. Highlights include the library's role; academic support; and faculty training in using criteria for evaluating new instructional options and using them to meet educational goals that support…

This paper begins by providing background on the information literacy movement, including the educational reform efforts of the 1980s, a higher education summit conference, and the 1989 American Library Association (ALA) Presidential Committee on Information Literacy Final Report. Other highlights include: the information literacy triangle;…

Discusses new technology for research and pedagogy in the electronic age and gives examples of usage. The role of librarians as knowledge managers and the development of automated instructional systems for higher education are also considered; and a selected bibliography of 25 titles by the author is included. (10 references) (EA)

Discusses the emerging interest in media education, or media literacy, and its impact on the role of the school library media specialist. Highlights include the school reform and restructuring movement; the impact of technology on literacy; the role in civic education and in health education; and media education support organizations. (Contains 17…

Discussion of changes in higher education as a result of advances in information technology focuses on the relationship between academic libraries and computing centers. Highlights include collaborative relationships; virtual information organizations; libraries as knowledge management centers; support for curriculum development; teaching…