Describes dominant political trends in librarianship, including the adoption of political neutrality as a means toward acquiring professional status, conservatism, and a willingness to allow government and business to define professional roles. It is argued that values of equity and public service, not the imperatives of technocracy and…

This paper explores what the rural library will look like in 2001, and envisions rural information needs and the roles the library will assume to meet those needs. Demographically, the year 2001 will see an aging population, low population growth, and a rising percentage of racial minorities. Key areas of public concern will be the environment and…