This column assesses the state of library and information studies (LIS) research. Researchers and practitioners in various LIS fields address questions related to the research front and agenda for collection development; what the field needs to advance further; whether it needs a more sophisticated conceptual or theoretical framework; operational…

Shows how a philosophical analysis of the moral value of information can help librarians rethink some aspects of their professional values, especially their commitment to neutrality. Discusses the historical background of allowing fiction into library collections; the impact of technology; the moral character of information; and information,…

Describes the use of loglinear statistical models in the field of informetrics, especially for the analysis of information systems. A detailed example is given of developing a model based on loglinear analysis to determine book acquisition patterns in libraries, including mathematical considerations and algorithms. (19 references) (LRW)

Examines the 80/20 rule that relates to productive sources in a bibliography. Highlights include applications in library acquisition policies, library circulation and weeding policies, science policy studies, information science, and econometrics; formulae of Burrell and of Egghe; probabilistic proofs; geometric distributions; Lotka distribution;…

Reviews and describes the current crisis in science literacy and formulates an information-based definition of the term. Library issues and concerns are discussed, including the role of librarians in defining the information-seeking behavior of science-literate users, describing users' characteristics, and evaluating and applying appropriate…

This paper examines EMERALD LIS and how it facilitates the use of information contained in LIS (library and information science) journals for improvements and progress. EMERALD LIS is a full-text database of journals in information management, library technology, library and information service management, and collection management/development.…

Analyzes the "Journal of the American Society for Information Science's (JASIS's)" and its immediate predecessor, "American Documentation's," position in library and information science journal rankings published during the last half-century. Concludes that journal rankings represent a frequently overlooked tool of value to…

This report reviews machine-readable information storage technology as of fall 1985, describes its use at certain academic libraries, and makes recommendations for its implementation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Focus is on data disks (reference and research materials) rather than on program disks, and suggestions are made…

A survey of library science librarians was conducted to assess their collection development strategies in response to the changing direction of library science education. Survey results indicate that traditional library science subject areas continue to be actively collected at a high level with the greatest growth in technological areas. (11…

Describes a study that investigated semantic relationships between citing and cited documents for a sample of document pairs in three journals in library and information science. Highlights include comparisons of Library of Congress classification numbers and subject descriptors; implications for collection development and relevance; and…

This digest discusses some of the major trends and issues found in a systematic content review of the professional literature of library and information science. Two "megatrends" are identified and discussed: (1) the concern for the impact of technology upon every facet of library work, in academic, school, public, and special libraries;…

This selective bibliography is organized by subject headings that include administration and personnel; bibliographic instruction/information literacy; cataloging and classification; children's and young adults; collection development; copyright; customer service; distance education; electronic libraries; evaluation of library services; fund…

While the general principles and techniques of collection development can be applied to most libraries, the unique characteristics of each media program produce new and changing demands requiring flexibility and creativity. Concepts from curriculum theory, children's and adolescent literature, educational technology, and library science are…