Considers the challenge of leading a research library that is between directors. Discusses issues involved in the transitional period of "acting" directorship. Outlines recommendations for acting directors: seek advice; negotiate well in the beginning; consider the staff; state an objective; build consensus; and consider cautiously the candidacy…

Explores the role of the academic library director in reconceptualizing the scholarly communication process in response to rising acquisitions costs. Highlights include being a catalyst for change; accountability; planning strategies and alliances, including ARL (Association of Research Libraries) and library consortia; and identifying target…

Library literature is examined for patterns for succession to the academic library director's position. A survey of 21 library directors of The Council on State University Libraries was conducted to determine changes. Findings indicate women find it easier to obtain library director positions through external hires; male librarians no longer have…

Explores the evolving paradigm of academic libraries, the impact of this change on the library director's role, and the orientation and qualifications. Reveals that the "post-hierarchical" library will call for a leader who is flexible and innovative, a superb communicator with good analytical skills and deductive and reasoning ability, as well as…

Examines activities of academic librarians and library educators regarding issues of affirmative action recruiting to increase diversity within the profession. Highlights include a description of multicultural organizations; the significance of leadership; efforts of the Association of Research Libraries; examples of diversity programs at academic…

It is important that librarians research and plan to make the relationship between library collections and remote access comfortable and successful for users and the library. This article discusses the political, social, and economic advantages and disadvantages of remote access. (JMV)

Reports on a survey that examined the perceptions of public library directors in North Carolina regarding the reasons their subordinates (i.e., nondirectors) participate in continuing education activities. Results are compared with those of an earlier survey of nondirectors that identified four motivational factors--professional competence, patron…

Users Council has proven itself to be a critically important element in the Online Computer Library Center's (OCLC) organizational structure. In fulfilling its combined roles, Users Council has provided a national forum for articulating member library interests to OCLC as well as a training ground for preparing individuals with library expertise…

Based on the authors' experiences as catalog, reference, and network resources librarians, this paper examines traditional methods of operation and the emerging blending of duties and the effects on individuals and the profession. Examines changing demands on library users as a cause for the blurring lines. Concludes that catalogers and reference…

Offers predictions for the future regarding the impact of the digital age on library collections and cooperation. Highlights include distance education and online resources; scholarly communication; MARC format; technical services; preservation; library buildings; consortia; library services and the Internet; commercial sector; public policy…

Discusses the need for ethical guidelines for library administrators. Five basic ethical principles that could underlie the development of such guidelines and examples of how these principles might apply in a library setting are suggested: (1) respect autonomy; (2) do no harm; (3) benefit others; (4) be just; and (5) be faithful. (27 references)…

Considers librarians' preparation for research university libraries. Topics discussed include the library's role in the research university, including advances in information technology and a knowledge management environment; user-centered librarians; scholarly communication; the concept of a learning society; and the need for a more diverse…

Discussion of the roles of library schools and library personnel in educating librarians for work with information technology highlights the following needs: technology-oriented and innovative graduates; relevant curricula; updated faculty; expanded continuing education offerings; on-the-job training; encouragement of further education;…

Discusses how the library vendor's role is expanding to encompass a more active coaching component in a digitized environment. Topics include centrality of the reader; professional expectations for librarians; and coaching in the areas of bibliography information, licensing, networking, product/service awareness, and industry/market advice. (LRW)

A four-part survey of top administrators, their deputies, and board chairmen of selected large U.S. and Canadian public libraries was conducted to determine whether administrators and deputies have acquired the skills necessary for effective management. Analysis of the responses indicates that managers have adequate skills, but there is room for…