Discussion of public library roles examines roles from the Public Library Association's planning and measurement tools for their usefulness in evaluating public library effectiveness, based on data from the Public Library Effectiveness Study. Indicators of library effectiveness are discussed, and a cluster analysis of libraries with similar role…

Describes a survey of knowledge and skills in the health information sciences conducted by the Medical Library Association (MLA) and relates the results to the MLA's educational policy statement. Credentialing for the Academy of Health Information Professionals is described, and ways to acquire medical knowledge and skills are discussed. (Contains…

Reports on the Public Library Association's data collection project for 1987-91. Statistics show most libraries are progressing in terms of financial support and use, although not dramatically. Data on the role selection process and output measures are included. (Contains seven references.) (EAM)

The introduction to this Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit explains the Conspectus method, which was developed in 1980 by the Research Libraries Group (RLG) as a means of systematically and qualitatively evaluating large library collections. The discussion considers advantages and disadvantages of this tool, which evaluates past…

This report presents the research and findings of the 16-member Task Force on the Role of the Special Library in Nationwide Networks and Cooperative Programs. Four working groups studied the following issues: constituencies; network legislation; benefits, barriers, and constraints to and from special library participation in networks; and the…

Looks at the historical development of school librarian training in Canada and Great Britain; examines types of institutions with training programs and program content; compares the librarian's role in the two countries and isolates factors that determined those roles; and highlights recent difficulties, developments, and movement toward consensus…

This survey was conducted to determine how ARL (Association of Research Libraries) libraries are participating in extension/outreach through three objectives: identify the level of involvement; determine the types of outreach service, as well as user populations; and ascertain the impact on the library, including its financial donor programs. A…

Two quarters activities of the Southwestern Library Interstate Cooperative Endeavor (SLICE) are reported. The final study of the legal aspects of establishing a Regional Interstate Library Network in the Southwest is printed in full. This study indicates that an interstate compact may be the best organizational, financial, and legal structure for…

A study of library and information science education research needs begins with a collection of readings which provide information on current research, along with needs in the areas of goals and curricula; library school administration, faculty, and students; the relationship among professional associations, library schools, and libraries; the…

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit presents the results of a survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries. The survey was designed to gather information about the changes that have taken place in the last five years in the services libraries offer to support instruction on campus and in the library, as…