Describes a survey of Ontario (Canada) medium-sized businesses that was conducted to investigate the impact of the public library on business success and discusses results that found a significant relationship between public library use and business success. A copy of the questionnaire used is appended. (Author/LRW)

Analyzes the evolution of public library boards in Ontario (Canada) from a politico-historical perspective. The need for librarians to play a more active, visible role in politics is suggested; the origin of the board form of governance is explained; and future possibilities, including abolishing public library boards, are discussed. (Contains 28…

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.…

Examines the history of the information profession, beginning with Melvil Dewey's first library education program. Discusses the concept of a profession; character; authority; power; cultural authority; access to information; the utilization of information as power; public librarianship; and the organization of information. (LRW)

Explores the information needs of gay males in Edmonton (Alberta) and their perceptions of how successful the Edmonton Public Library is in meeting their needs. Data from self-administered questionnaires is reported, and findings indicate that when "coming out" the library was the most significant resource; however, there was…

Suggests that different groups in the public library's environment adhere to different sets of values, interests and benefits when evaluating the library's effectiveness. Groups surveyed in this research comprised city councilors, community leaders, friends of the library, librarians, library managers, library board members, and library users. Of…

Examines the collective agreements of Canadian public and academic libraries to determine the nature and frequency of technological change clauses. Findings indicate that overall, Canadian librarians have not been able to use the collective bargaining process as a means to claim a proactive voice in the introduction and integration of technology…

Describes the impact of Ontario's Pay Equity Act of 1987 on public libraries. Problems with the original legislation and its 1993 amendments are discussed. A survey of public libraries highlighting growing uneasiness between public library administrators and their municipal colleagues is described, and tables showing male comparators and salary…

Discusses the impact of the lack of autonomous boards of trustees on Quebec's public libraries and the political factors that influence decision making about the libraries. Organizational structure, public support, and financial support are covered. The author concludes that municipal governments do not give public libraries enough status.…

Leadership abilities of male and female chief executive officers (CEOs) of 54 Ontario public libraries were evaluated by 272 board members and management or professional staff. CEOs generally rated high on all criteria; they were evaluated more highly by board members than by staff. Male CEOs were perceived to be more effective at securing…