Comments on changes in the public library in the United Kingdom due to local government reorganization and recurring financial crises, and discusses the implications of networking and technological innovation. (CWM)

Argues for a reevaluation of the old-maid stereotype that will allow professionals in the library and information science (LIS) field to embrace digital technology while remaining mindful of their distinctiveness and recognizing the stereotype as an important part of their collective identity and professional history. (Contains 55 references.)…

Integration of audiovisual materials into the total library program is shown to be superior to the maintenance of a separate administrative unit. (PF)

Describes the technical, political, economic, and cultural environments of library automation. A review is then presented of five books covering wide-ranging library automation themes, including practical experiences; planning second-generation library systems; software, systems, and services; new roles for librarians; and the national network…

Discusses future possibilities for information technology in public libraries, particularly in view of decreasing computer costs and developmental trends in data processing. The technological developments of the Pikes Peak Regional Library are outlined as an example of feasibility. (CWM)

Examines the forces for change in reference and information work in the public library--politics and economics, society and the individual, the profession, technology, and the growth of information--and considers the possible future for such service in individual libraries. (CWM)

The questions of when and how best to computerize the catalog of a large research library, and how to improve an existing conventional catalog, motivated a study of the utilization of the main catalog of the Yale University Library. The study was designed to provide a representative sample of catalog use. (7 references) (Author/NH)

Examines current problems and future roles of libraries in facilitating the growth of knowledge, and discusses the regulative role of price mechanism, autonomy, and centralism, given the role of criticism and the problem-solving nature of research. Issues discussed are examined against national library and information services planning proposals.…

Discusses the history of American and British experiences with library automation and contrasts them with recent developments in central and eastern Europe. Highlights include efficiency of internal operations, including cataloging data; access to internal and external library resources, including online catalogs and document delivery; and…