The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) poses challenges as well as opportunities for anyone or anything dealing with digital technologies, including libraries. Libraries and librarians have a twofold challenge in that they simultaneously must consider AI applications in library operations as well as AI skills and knowledge as part of…

Presents an administrative overview on planning needed to implement information technology-based reference and instructional services in academic libraries. Discusses staffing; troubleshooting; fund raising and budget development; consortia and digital resources; and the need for continuing education. (LRW)

Describes a survey of academic librarians that examined the actual and preferred methods by which they gain knowledge relevant to bibliographic instruction. It is concluded that current training in bibliographic instruction is often insufficient and that organized continuing education courses are needed. The questionnaire used is appended. (four…

Describes a study that investigated the skills that bibliographic instruction (BI) librarians in academic libraries thought were needed to provide adequate BI and where these skills should be taught or acquired. Training for BI offered in library schools is examined, and recommendations for further study are suggested. (19 references) (LRW)

Considers the expanding educational role of health sciences librarians in both academic centers and in hospitals resulting from influences of new educational models and new technology. Topics addressed include undergraduate health sciences education; continuing education; new technology and medical informatics; library educational programs;…

This fourth installment in five-lesson tutorial on library evaluation focuses on evaluation of library programs (short-lived activities designed to meet specific needs). Highlights include seven steps in planning cycle and sample programs (reducing library noise, long-term effects of library-use instruction). Five required and suggested readings…

Discusses advances in microcomputer and optical technologies and how these technologies are being integrated into library reference work. Topics discussed include training of library reference staff; library bibliographic instruction; CD-ROMs; videodiscs; hypertext; bibliographies; library catalogs, including online catalogs; indexing and…

Eight articles describing online retrieval service use in schools include: an overview based on a 1986 survey; descriptions of DIALOG; Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service, and BRS services for schools, and Pennsylvania's online library network; online training for library media specialists; and a selected annotated bibliography of online in schools.…

The Commission on Librarianship at Stanford was created in May, 1972, to examine the role and status of librarians at the university including professional relationships, effective use of librarians, salaries and personnel practices, and the involvement of librarians in the library and university environment. The Commission's study groups…

Summarizes a study conducted on a group of bibliographic instruction librarians from academic libraries in Pennsylvania to determine their backgrounds, their perceptions regarding the adequacy of their training for bibliographic instruction, and their needs for additional training. Data are summarized in 12 tables and a 9-item reference list is…

Reviews the state of professional continuing education programs for librarians in the teaching of library skills to users and discusses the status of teacher training within formal library education. (FM)

Reviews the background for the continuing education role of the state library agency, the development of continuing education for libraries, the implications of these developments, current programs in progress, and trends which may indicate future change. (Author/MBR)

Reports the results of a survey of U.K. librarians that examined where practitioners received training for user education. The finding that training was predominantly received outside of the library school setting is discussed in terms of the need for user education courses within library school curriculums. (CLB)

Volume 2 presents the background and methodology of four state institute projects (Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina, West Virginia) designed to expand public library services to disadvantaged adults, and also provides a description of the national, state, and local dissemination activities of the seven library/Adult Basic Education demonstration…

Reviews selected studies of the curricular and instructional role of the school library media specialist to identify predominant patterns in research findings, and discusses their implications for librarians, educators, administrators, and other professionals. It includes 23 references. (RAA)