Focuses on the use of cultural analysis, or the ethnographic approach, as a qualitative research methodology to study an academic computing center. The study was conducted to understand the culture of computing professionals and to assist librarians in developing ways in which the two groups of professionals can work together. (Author/LRW)

The intent of this paper is to review the most typical pertinent and significant research which indicates the directions being taken in personnel utilization. The aim is to provide an overview of the major aspects of personnel planning. (41 references) (Author/NH)

Examines the relationship between librarians and information industry professionals, and outlines the types of systems and services which characterize the growing role of the information industry in contemporary society. (FM)

Discusses professional associations and unions in terms of their culture, motives for collective action, and the value they ultimately promote. Concludes that it is up to a professional occupation to define the degree of difference between these two types of organizations. (Author)

Presents an overview of the types of international library associations that exist today. Issues and trends that exemplify these associations include their ability to communicate with their members, their ability to create relevant programs and conferences, and their need to evaluate their successes. Highlights five international library…

Looks at some of the new paradigms for reference service, in particular the ideological implications of the digital reference call-center model, demonstrates how they lead to a "deprofessionalization" of reference work, and provides examples of how extensive reading can help reference librarians provide better service and become an…

Issues relating to library association staff roles and responsibilities are explored. Reasons for their sometimes conflicting relationships with member volunteers are examined. Suggestions and recommendations for promoting effective use of these valuable partners on the association scene are offered. (Author/AEF)

Educational technology has provided an outside impetus for librarianship to take an inside look at itself. It is up to those in the library profession to determine whether technology will make us more mechanized and task oriented or will truly assist us to facilitate, personalize, and humanize the library function. (Author/NH)

Professional associations in the library/information science field are viewed from the perspective of the value they bring to the field. Research and professional development are reviewed in this context based on the efforts of ALA (American Library Association), ALISE (Association for Library & Information Science Education), ASIS (American…

A virtual association is more communicative, more responsive, and more attuned to the needs of its members and its profession than a traditional paper-based association. The benefits of a virtual association far outweigh the transitory demands made by technology by enhancing communication and connectivity between members, staff, and a truly global…

Reports on an analysis of job announcements for library and information professionals in research institutions revealing a trend toward hiring subject specialists and administrative and technical professionals without masters degrees in librarianship. Findings reveal variety in positions and professionals hired and change in stated employment…

Discusses the role, status, and compensation of nonprofessional library staff (e.g., clerks and technicians); role, authority, status, and compensation of non-librarian professionals appointed as directors or supervisors; and the relationship of professional librarians to other professionals on the library or information-center staff. Delineates…

Reports on a study to construct a baseline of scholarly use of Internet-based electronic resources (e-sources) by surveying library and information science (LIS) scholars. Results reported include researchers' demographic information, frequency of use of various applications, strategies of locating e-sources for research, opinions on citing…

Libraries must identify and foster the inherent personal characteristics and skills considered most relevant for leadership in the field of information management. Professional library associations play an important role in teaching and developing skills by providing experiential opportunities for their membership. Career models for academic or…

Outlines issues of concern in the management of nonlibrarian professionals in research libraries, argued to be significantly different from the management of professional librarians. Differing professional value systems, conflicts and tension that can arise, and organizational teamwork are discussed with a focus on effective reward structures. (15…