Describes the development of children's services at the Champaign Public Library. Highlights include the first physically separate space for children; collaboration with students from the University of Illinois library school; and growth in the collection and in programs. (LRW)

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…

This discussion of the role of the public library youth services manager emphasizes the importance of personnel management skills, and notes the need for attention to personnel management in library education. (10 references) (MES)

Explores the continuing role of the public library in society, discussing the mission of the library (highlights the Chicago Public Library's new mission statement), funding collections and buildings, technology, capital improvements, challenges to intellectual freedom, librarian education, library outreach, and private-sector partnerships. (PEN)

The 20 articles in this issue of Illinois Libraries were written by practicing technical services librarians, library educators, and former librarians now involved in commercial enterprise. The articles are: (1) "The Development of Library Education in Illinois" (Anne V. J. Wendler); (2) "Financial Management in Acquisitions: Things…

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)

Describes the qualities of a good children's reference librarian and discusses training that involves both on cognitive and affective training methods. Evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the trainee is discussed, and a model training workshop is presented that includes a sample assignment as well as basic reference sources for children's…

Ideas are presented on current practices in the continuing education of library personnel in the midwestern United States, with some emphasis on the role of state libraries and library associations. Allan B. Knox, Director of the Office of Continuing Education and Public Services, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, contributes the lead…

Identifies strategies for attaining minorities and for improving the current status of underrepresented minorities in academic libraries. A plan for action is presented which includes internships for minorities, the Targets of Opportunity Program (TOPS) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, recruiting by networking, and a mentoring…

Discusses factors that may result in a lack of professional pride among librarians, and suggests that by examining past and present situations the profession can consider future options with pride. Recent changes in and adaptations by the publishing industry are cited to illustrate this point. (nine references) (CLB)

Describes the newly formed partnership of the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians, and the National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education. The discussion covers the benefits to be gained by the school media specialist profession in terms of defining professional competencies, curriculum…

Examines the Fridays Only part-time/distance education program of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois. Provides a history of the program and a composite of a typical day for the Fridays Only student; discusses strengths and weaknesses from the perspectives of the students, faculty, and…