Literature in the field investigates and debates the importance of the MLIS degree in librarianship. This information is of limited use in Maine where over 30% of public library directors have only a high school diploma. The research questions guiding this Constructivist Grounded Theory study are: How do high school educated library directors in…

This article analyzes the aging of academic librarians and the potential shortage of librarians to replace those who are retiring. Recent statistics indicate that the exodus of retiring librarians may not be as severe as predicted several years ago. Recent articles show potential benefits as new librarians enter the workforce in large numbers to…

When the author ran into other recent graduates at the American Library Association (ALA) annual conference in New Orleans in 2006, several told her they were not happy with their jobs. After months of searching, they settled for positions in isolated rural libraries, have jobs with little responsibility, or are expected to manage their staff…

Academic libraries now hire an increasing number of individuals to fill professional librarian positions who do not have the master's degree in library science. Academic libraries are also creating a wide range of new professional assignments that demand diverse educational backgrounds. Additionally, responsibilities formerly carried out by…

Librarianship has undergone a radical change in recent years, which will be continued in the future. Whereas previously the administration of media was most important, nowadays an ever increasing willingness to provide a service is required. In addition to the essential restructuring of libraries, a generational change is taking place within the…

This discussion of the nature and role of communication skills in implementing job responsibilities of librarians and information specialists argues that the most important foundation of effective library leadership is communication. The paper begins by reviewing the literature on leadership and developing a set of leadership characteristics. It…

Using published studies and references, shows why the requirement that a manager of interlibrary loan be a librarian with a master's degree in Library Science may be outmoded in the modern academic library. Discusses the librarian's role, certification and professional elitism, job requirements, and user needs. (AEF)

Developed with the support of the German Foundation for International Development (DSE) and the University of Botswana (Africa), this five-week "long vacation" training program includes four modules designed to provide refresher and in-service training for those library assistants who have work experience but have not been able to attend…

Presents historical review of development of medical education, medical library and information services, medical school libraries, facilities (medical, education, library), and national health programs in Nigeria. Areas of challenge in present Nigerian medical librarianship are identified: personnel, organizational structures, buildings, National…

Discusses changes taking place in the library systems of Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Topics reviewed include the influence of Soviet Russian library theory and practices; decentralization of library administration; library finances; library education; library employment; library technology; and censorship and collection policies.…

Examines myths and realities of aging in the academic library workforce and other work environments. Discusses technology-related changes in higher education; technology training; performance evaluation and career development for veteran library staff; managing change with late-career employees; implications for public and reference services; and…

This document is an introductory guide to all aspects of law librarianship. Chapters 1 and 2 provide an overview of the history and nature of law libraries and the nature of the legal field and legal clientele. Collection development is discussed in chapter 3, covering such aspects as acquisitions, alternatives to purchasing materials, selection…

This paper addresses the concept of the communication audit, i.e., a fact-finding analysis, interpretation, and reporting process that studies the communication philosophy, structure, flow, and practice of the organization. Reasons for doing a communication audit are identified: (1) to uncover information blockages and organizational hindrances;…

This book provides an introduction to single staff information services, or SOLO librarianship. SOLO librarians are usually found in corporate libraries, private companies, small public libraries, museums, schools, churches or synagogues, prisons, law firms, hospitals or special libraries with specialized or limited materials and services with…

Librarian's bookshelf lists books from 1990--covering academic/electronic/public/school/special libraries, administration/personnel, automation, bibliographic instruction, cataloging/classification, CD-ROM, YA services, collection development, copyright, customer service, education for librarianship, electronic libraries, facilities, fund raising,…