The idea of "reading the room" borrowed from the business world applies to how school library professionals can identify and responsively meet the needs of users. By stepping up to do work even when it is not requested, and yet in alignment with our mission, we can help sustain our library programs.

This paper reviews recent literature on massive open online courses (MOOCs) and their impact on Library and Information Science (LIS) education, describing the features and types of MOOCs, as well as their disruptive nature, pedagogical impact and use in traditional classroom settings. Concerns with high dropout rates and the lack of a business…

In this article, two teachers describe their transition from pre-K-12 schools to higher education, where they teach college students to be school librarians. Both were at points in their pre-K-12 careers at which they were comfortable and felt good about their abilities, but both were ready for new challenges. While they no longer see the direct…

Five initiatives launched during Cyndi Phillip's term as American Association of School Librarians (AASL) President (2006-2007) continue to have an impact on school librarians ten years later. They include the rewriting of AASL's learning standards, introduction of the SKILLS Act, the presentation of the Crystal Apple Award to Scholastic Library…

The history of academic library involvement in service learning is varied. This paper provides an overview of service learning and the literature on academic libraries' participation in service-learning activities. A vision of service-learning participation is described, as well as the implementation of service-learning activities in two library…

As the importance of information literacy has gained increased recognition, so too have academic library professionals intensified their efforts to champion, activate, and advance these capabilities in others. To date, however, little attention has focused on advancing these essential competencies amongst practitioner advocates. This paper helps…

In 2003 at the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) 11th National Conference in Kansas City, the AASL Task Force on Recruitment for the Profession noted that 68 percent of school librarians will retire by the year 2015. They also reported extremely severe shortages of school librarians in ten states and severe shortages in 30 states…

Reviews changes in health sciences libraries, including the evolving role of health sciences librarians, education and training of health sciences librarians, rethinking reference services, impact on quality health care, improving the value of information, virtual libraries, National Library of Medicine initiatives, and quality initiatives. (LRW)

Examines the faculty-librarian relationship, explores the contentious territories of professional credibility and identity, and analyzes changes in Australian higher education that impact the educational role of librarians related to information literacy. Discusses attitudes of faculty toward collaboration with librarians and how well prepared…

Discusses meeting the needs of learners in United Kingdom libraries. Topics include the role of the public library; barriers to learning; implications for libraries; motivation to learn; motivating learners in libraries; meeting users' learning needs; and training for librarians. (LRW)

Provides historical background and describes the change in the role of Russian libraries from conduits for party propaganda to organizations designed to serve the needs of their users. Considers problems for library educators in providing librarians with the skills needed in the new political and technological environment of post-Communist Russia.…

A ten-week institute was developed to train library students in the western United States for work in state library agencies. Learning activities included lectures, guest speakers, discussions, role-playing, field trips, four weeks of field work, case studies, research, and report writing. The focus was on state library history, special aspects,…

Discusses the role of librarians in teaching information literacy in higher education. Topics include faculty opposition; preparing teacher librarians with educational training; partnerships in relationship management; and information literacy for lifelong learning. (LRW)

Discusses the concept of international librarianship (particularly in Europe), the unique characteristics and role of national libraries, librarians working in national libraries, and the role of information strategy systems and information technology in national libraries. (LRW)

Identifies six areas of children's librarianship that need attention: definition of the role of children's librarians; clarification of the goals and worth of children's services; an improved professional image; determination of the appropriate education to enable librarians to meet changed circumstances; and a better understanding of what…