It has been almost 50 years since Robert Taylor published his classic 1968 article, "Question-Negotiation and Information Seeking in Libraries," in "College & Research Libraries"; yet much of what that article discussed is as fresh today as it was back then. It has been identified as a classic because it has enduring themes…

It is important to underscore some basic "truths" about communicating with families--ideas that have been well described in the literature for the past several decades. The most important issue is that "truth disclosure" is a process, not an event. In the paper by Klein and colleagues (2011), it is apparent that most of the parents in the study…

Although in the late 1990s there was much discussion as to whether the idea of information literacy was necessary or had longevity, global interest in the phenomenon has increased rather than diminished. Information literacy standards have been developed and become widely accepted in educational systems. Research centres for information literacy…

Although "the good life" is a concept not easily defined or agreed upon, without a doubt it is something people want and strive to achieve. For young adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), efforts toward the good life are often hindered by harsh realities and numerous challenges encountered on the road to adulthood. School librarians can play…

Economists may be biased in ways that are not apparent to many. A widely espoused theory in economics is that regulators' decisions often become biased in favor of the industries they regulate; to use economic jargon, they become "captured." Economic incentives encourage even the best-intentioned regulators to cater to the interests of the…

Information literacy, described as being beyond computer literacy (understanding of what computer hardware and software can do), is defined as raising level of awareness of individuals and enterprises to knowledge explosion and how machine-aided handling systems can help identify, access, and obtain data and documents needed for problem-solving…

Holds that more efficient scientific research can be expected if information systems provide information management for researchers, employing specialists with training in the selection, organization, and use of reference materials. Twenty-three references are listed. (FM)

Describes the current concept of information literacy as a survival skill and suggests that public libraries can play an important role in its spread if they develop some nontraditional practices and make alliances with other agencies. (EAM)

This final column by Herbert White addresses his concerns with the professional objectives of librarians and how librarians are perceived and treated. Highlights include the users' need for librarians; the role of the American Library Association in supporting libraries more often than librarians; and stressing institutions rather than people.…

Discussion of the role of library resources in the formulation of theatrical performance features the dramaturg, the professional researcher on a theater's staff. Topics include an empirical approach to performance; how theater artists use libraries; the dramaturg as model; researching the text; dramaturgical case studies; and relationships…

Describes a special reference service that supports administrative, planning, management, and technical levels of an organization operating within the research and development and major systems acquisition environment. More than 15 references are cited. (Author/FM)

Discusses social equity issues in the information age, examines the distribution of microcomputer ownership and use across socioeconomic groups, and suggests the creation of a system of National and Regional Institutes for Information Democracy that would explore information-related empowerment issues. Experimental Mass Information Utilities…

Discusses the concept of user-centered library services from a theoretical and conceptual basis. Highlights include the traditional information model; the constructivist model; other researchers' approaches to information seeking and information needs; a sense-making model for various library services; question negotiation; knowledge transfer;…

This letter of transmittal from the President to the Congress of the United States accompanies the final report of the White House Conference and stresses the importance of libraries to the nation; emphasizes the responsibilities of the government to support library and information services; reminds administrators and legislators of their roles in…

The recipient of the 1987 Award of Merit recalls his initial work in information research, and discusses the current and future status of information science and the functions of information professionals. (CLB)