Presents a new framework in which to view the library profession and its system of formal education. The role of the librarian is compared with those of other professionals, especially in terms of differences in status. (CD)

This digest focuses on the continuing ambiguities libraries and their users face in dealing with copyright in the digital environment. In the networked digital world, the basic principles of copyright are more difficult to apply. Digital copies are easy to create, modify, and manipulate, they are extremely easy to distribute widely over networks,…

Discusses four trends relating to document delivery (DD), its future, and its impact on both the publisher and the library: (1) growth of DD; (2) acceptance of DD as a component of collection development and interlibrary loan; (3) move toward electronic publishing and delivery; and (4) growing voice of the author. Eight charts illustrate trends.…

Includes five papers presented at the 1995 VTLS Inc. Fifth Annual Director's Conference in Roanoke (Virginia), entitled "Back to Basics: Rethinking Libraries." Topics include libraries' use of high technology, collection management and electronic publishing, public services and telecommuting clientele, what to expect of library school…

The Library of Congress Strategic Plan (1997-2004) targets for improvement: service to Congress; security for personnel, collections, and buildings; human resources, including hiring and staff development; and technology innovation to make collections more accessible. This article examines the purposes, assumptions, and budgeting of the plan and…

Examines the economic behavior of academic research libraries, arguing that academic research libraries seek to maximize universities' utility by expanding library collections. Findings are consistent with those from a previous study using a different ranking system and sample data and reconfirm that library collections contribute significantly to…

Discusses references collections in academic libraries and offers guidelines for placing materials in a reference collection that focus on their suitability for true reference functions and the expected frequency of use. Problems with poorly managed collections are discussed, and the importance of selection policies and weeding are emphasized. (37…

Eleven articles address issues relating to agricultural libraries and information, including background on agricultural libraries and information, trend management, document delivery, reference services, user needs and library services, collection development, technologies for international information management, information sources,…

Collection development policies as traditionally conceived are of little practical utility. Research librarians will better serve themselves and their users by devising flexible guides to information associated with particular fields of study. Resource maps using electronic technology could accommodate different kinds of inquiries. (Author/AEF)

A survey of curriculum centers in Illinois academic institutions found that a wide range of library services were offered to education faculty, staff, and students and that librarians were committed to the education community and the larger university. (EA)

Discusses library resources for genealogical research, including bibliographies of family histories, guides to genealogical resources, periodicals, indexes, CD-ROM products, electronic bulletin boards, and nonprofit services. An annotated list of 13 titles for a basic collection is included. (MES)

Presents ways libraries can provide services for refugees. Discusses identifying needs, distributing orientation guides, and collecting foreign-language literature. Libraries can raise awareness through collection development, exhibits, lectures series, locating teaching resources, and creating Web sites. Examples of different patrons include…

The organizational model of merged public health information resources at the University of Michigan stands as a viable example of collaborative operations under a unified management structure. It represents an attempt to reconceptualize the role of library services and computer services within an integrated model of cooperation that can offer…

Restructuring serials management along access-versus-ownership lines doesn't solve the serials crisis, but it alleviates inflationary pressures and has other significant economic, service, and political outcomes. This new series model is illustrated at three institutional libraries. ((Author/AEF)

Discusses the concept of Earth's Largest Library (ELL), a mega-virtual library based on the Amazon.com model. Topics include who will be included; privacy; censorship; scope of the collection; costs; legal aspects; collection development; personnel management; access; the concept of community; public service; lending policies; technical…