In the case of libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs), the concept of convergence has become commonplace in recent time. Convergence addresses both physical spaces and the services provided. What is currently known as convergence within these institutions, should perhaps more accurately be described as reconvergence, as "in the late 1800s…

According to Stearns (2009), culture shapes childhood. The way a society defines culture shapes: (a) how childhood is constructed; (b) the production of literary products and services for young people; and (c) training for library professionals. In 21st century America, children are viewed as a vulnerable population in need of protection, as…

In a time when information self-service and enhanced competition have sent libraries of all types into an oftentimes desperate search for a renewed sense of purpose, a fundamentally important question takes center stage: How can libraries connect with the deepest aspirations of their service communities? This article describes a new library…

A recent American Library Association (ALA) report has shown that less than 1% of credentialed librarians are African American males. This article discusses possible reasons for this dearth; and, in an effort to inform future LIS recruiting and marketing campaigns, the included study attempted to discover which factors lead African American males…

Examines the changing roles of libraries and librarians in the information age, emphasizing the impact of technology. It is suggested that librarians should assert themselves as providers of information in a human context. Nine references are listed. (MES)

Introduces a series of articles reporting progress made in library services to the Spanish speaking in the past eight years, despite the undeniable discrimination that exists against the Hispanic-heritage librarian and the delivery of library and information services to this ethnic group. Each article is followed by an interview with a Hispanic…

Despite setbacks and hazards, libraries today are a more vital and a more appreciated part of our lives than ever before. (Author/NH)

Presents four articles, originally published in 1934 and 1944, that are considered to be some of the best library writing published in "Library Journal." Topics discussed include functions of libraries and needs for the future; libraries in the new society (A. A. Berle); economic effects on libraries during the Depression (editorial);…

A report of trends, events and activities of libraries during 1973. (JB)

The growth of libraries and of technical education in the middle of the 19th century led to the organization of Melvil Dewey's School of Library Economy in 1887. The School offered a technical course to replace the apprenticeships then in favor. Its curriculum persisted as the model for library education through 1920. A break with the early form…

The theme of this week-end conference was chosen in order to impress the Government and other authorities concerned on the necessity of libraries and librarians as an integral part of national planning. The five speeches presented are: (1) "The Principles of Educational Planning;" (2) "On Books, Libraries and Development;" (3)…

The 49 resolutions proposing local, state, and national action that form the basis of this report are grouped in six library and information issue-areas: funding, cooperation, access, resources and service, public relations, and education. Other sections of the report describe both pre- and conference activity. Included are South Carolina Governor…

This is a collection of conference papers given by graduate students enrolled in a seminar course in Comparative Librarianship. Topics focused on library education and library development programs in foreign countries and Southwest Wisconsin. Professor Philip Altbach opened the conference with a summary version of his paper entitled…

This paper presents a brief account, based upon available Chinese materials, of the history of Chinese libraries under communism. The discussion of the effects upon libraries of the changing political, economic, and social conditions of China after the founding of the People's Republic in 1949 is divided into four sections: the Young People's…

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…