Supporting the information needs of researchers adequately is a major challenge for university libraries. This paper outlines results of a survey of 23 researchers conducted by Deakin University Library into their information needs and perceptions of the library's role and performance. The survey challenged established ideas about researchers'…

Unless a limited set of specific goals is pursued with diligence, the local library may find itself running off in all directions at once, trying to satisfy every library-related need of a very heterogeneous "community." (16 references) (Author)

New York State has a longstanding commitment to library and media service to the blind and visually handicapped; in fact, the service is generally known to be the first such program organized by any state. Going back to 1896, it was another of the innovations of Melvil Dewey. This report describes the present state of library service to the blind…

Libraries transform communities by providing well-organized information resources and services. Conversely, communities can also transform libraries if librarians appreciate the rich diversity of the communities' information needs, acting as bridges between communities as well as enabling and facilitating community-building. The roles of…

Reviews the current dynamic nature of library service to the disabled and institutionalized, emphasizing that the concept underlying the provision of special materials, facilities, and programs for such persons is not essentially different from that which underlies service to other adults: the librarian's role is to serve as intermediary between…

Libraries must be aware of the needs of the users in their funding organization, and yet, there is growing concern among library funding organizations that libraries are not fully coping with the information explosion. In fact, libraries, by not adopting new techniques to become more productive, are actually helping to cause the problems of the…

In order to utilize cable, libraries will be dealing with an entirely new clientele. The present knowledge libraries have about their users is not sufficient to extrapolate to the new clientele, so needs must be identified. (Other conference materials are LI 503071-503074 and 503076 through 503084.) (Author/SJ)

Highlights program activities of the commission, and considers projected effects of the White House Conference on it. Future concerns are noted including the role of the school and public library, the needs of research and scholarship when knowledge is multiplying rapidly, and mediation between library and information services and users. (SW)

Topics of importance to rural America in three general areas--rural community and individual information needs, available answers to these needs, and policies and strategies to meet these needs--were addressed in a joint congressional hearing held at the Fourth General Assembly of the World Future Society in July 1982. This transcript presents…

Focuses on the socio-economic, cultural, and informational needs of Hispanic Americans based on demographics taken from the 1980 census. The development of bilingual education and the role of the library in developing programs which best serve the Spanish-speaking community and its youth are also covered. A four-item bibliography is included. (EJS)

Formed by a merger of two existing UNESCO programs--NATIS and UNISIST--a Division of the General Information Program (PGI) was created in 1977 to respond to problems involved in the development and promotion of scientific and technological information systems and services, as well as the development of national information infrastructures. This…

Claims that libraries have consistently ignored popular culture materials and urges them to reexamine their purpose and to expand collections and services to serve the true cultural needs of their patrons. Thirteen references are listed. (RAA)

The theme of this working conference, Libraries Without Walls, was explored by representatives of business, labor, government, education, community organizations and libraries. Recommendations were made for the more effective use of libraries in providing information for the entire community. The problems, proposals and recommendations of thirteen…

Summarizes the proceedings of the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services, held November 15-19, 1979, in Washington, DC. Key issues raised in its five theme areas--meeting personal needs, lifelong learning, service to organizations and the professions, effectively governing society, and international cooperation--are…

The essays collected in this volume present the personal visions of several individuals, mostly librarians and other information professionals, on what the library might look like 25 or 30 years from now. The contributors represent a wide variety of libraries and related institutions on four continents. The essays collected are:…