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…

Libraries often lack the in-house information technology (IT) expertise required to (1) implement mobile applications and related technologies (MAT); (2) attain maximum return on investment including patron satisfaction for using MAT; and (3) reduce reliance on expensive IT consultants. Based on secondary analysis of the experiences and advice…

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…

Few academic librarians ten or fifteen years ago would have believed that those days of flat-lined budgets and miniscule raises could ever seem a golden (or at least silver) age by comparison. It turns out that there is something even worse than uncertainty, however--the absolute certainty of budgetary constriction and unwise decisions.…

Presented is a description of the materials used in teaching library history. (100 references) (SJ)

Clear formulation of library purpose and function aids economical and wise action, and attention to theoretical concepts provides a sense of continuity and unity to the profession as a whole. (17 references) (Author)

She is still in the wings, but once Sharon (Sherri) McQueen arrives on the stage of library education, innovation will surely follow. McQueen comes across like a fast-forward version of Katharine Hepburn's Bunny Watson without the fear of technology. Funny and clever, she seamlessly trades her comedy mask for tragedy when she turns to the future…

The office of the Minister of Education of New Zealand appointed a working party in May 1969 and charged it with investigating and reporting upon the status of education for librarianship. The study encompasses: (1) existing educational programs, (2) the different kinds of library and their need for qualified staff, (3) present staffing and…

Six myths regarding libraries are discussed: libraries are at center of intellectual life; book is sacred; libraries are responsive to information needs of various publics; objective evaluation is common decision-making practice; librarianship model fosters active client-oriented behaviors; library school education alone provides sufficient…

Arguing that librarianship is an institutionalized profession (i.e., the library, rather than the librarian, has been the focus of attention), this essay notes the process of deinstitutionalization (information brokers, effect of computer technology), the future of the librarian, and education for the profession. Nine footnotes are given. (EJS)

Assesses state of library development and library education in Jordan, reporting findings of a manpower survey of 14 libraries which indicates which of 14 different library functions are performed in each library. Assessment of the findings in special, academic, public, and school libraries and recommendations for further studies are provided.…

The specialisation Library Science at the Hochschule Darmstadt/University of Applied Science Darmstadt is the newest academic program in Germany for the higher education of librarians. Five current trends in library science in Germany reflect the new "Darmstadt Model": (1) The delimitation of a specific professional field…

To sample opinion on whether a junior college librarian needs special academic preparation, a 4-item questionnaire was sent to heads of 42 accredited library schools. It asked: (1) Have you special courses for students intending to become junior college librarians? (2) Do you offer special seminars for them? (3) Do you hold (or plan to hold)…

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

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)