Three award-winning papers from an Illinois Library Association competition discuss topics related to the future of libraries: recruitment and education of young librarians; traditional roles of librarians in the future, including preservation of books and the historical record; and rapid change in the library environment in response to…

Describes an effort by the Illinois Library Association to encourage and coordinate the continuing professional development of Illinois librarians through a Mentoring Network. The pilot project proposal is outlined, and the current situation is described. (eight references/notes) (EA)

As a result of the 1992 federal appellate court decision, "Kreimer versus Morristown," libraries have the right to define appropriate patron behavior while in a library and to address behavior considered disruptive. Discusses details of the case and practical interpretations of the ruling. (JKP)

While the library profession shares several common elements in continuing education with other professional fields, it has its own distinctive characteristics as well. The article explores several aspects of continuing professional education as they relate to the library profession, keeping those similarities and differences in mind. (AG)

Answers questions regarding the impact of the Freedom of Information Act on libraries. Highlights include the definition of a public body as used in the act, which public records are covered, circulation record, how to submit requests for records, and who is responsible for complying with requests for records. (LRW)

This issue of "Illinois Libraries" is a report of the Illinois White House Conference on Library and Information Services, held in Springfield, November 12-14, 1978. After a brief introduction, the planning process for the conference is described, including committee work, timetables established, the efforts of state agencies, delegate…

Discusses library policy and Internet access, highlighting (1) legal distinctions between books and the Internet; (2) ways to restrict access without violating First Amendment rights; (3) the library as a limited public forum rather than a traditional public forum; and (4) the library's governmental interest in protecting children. (PEN)

Although many foresee the end of books with the rise of computers, there are good reasons to believe that books will survive, including their permanence, their value as historical records, and ergonomics. Librarians should continue to sponsor summer reading programs and book groups, serve as reader advisors, and prepare and post book lists. (PEN)

Examines liability issues and Internet use--specifically e-mail--that libraries should be aware of. Discusses confidentiality and employer review; how federal laws, statutory limitations, and Illinois State Constitution and statutes affect employer e-mail monitoring; invasion of privacy; and the Freedom of Information Act. Offers procedural and…

Examines the law for libraries, i.e. potential risks and liabilities of regulating, or not regulating, Internet access and use. Discusses the Communications Decency Act, use of filtering software, Internet policies, liability under local criminal statutes, ordinances for disseminating child pornography, obscene material, and hostile work…

Highlights dangers on the Internet that parents should be aware of and provides suggestions on how parents can ensure their children's safety on the Internet. Describes how librarians can help parents by establishing Internet policies, providing access to quality Web sites, resolving filtering issues, and providing instruction for children and…

Reviews both historical and current policies for access to government information, and discusses such current trends in government information as paperwork reduction, commercialization, privatization, and electronic publishing. The possible impact of these trends on the library's ability to provide access to information is briefly considered. (CLB)

By examining 87 futuristic articles published between 1919 and 1961 in American library or related journals, and 6 professional monographs within the same time span, the accuracy of forecasting library futures is assessed. The effects of war, the economy, and technology on librarians' ideas of the future are discussed, and trends in predictions…

Outlines the basic options that schools and libraries have for accessing the Internet, focusing on four models: direct connection; dial access using SLIP/PPP (Serial Line Internet Protocol/Point-to-Point Protocol); dial-up using terminal emulation mode; and dial access through commercial online services. Discusses access option issues such as…