The job of the contemporary reference librarian has a virtual component unimaginable a generation ago. Today's library professional can obtain an MLS (or equivalent) online with a minimal residency requirement. Not only the degree, but also library sources, and indeed patrons, have become virtual. Both books and periodicals can be consulted by…

The paper reports on a collaborative education model involving library education, faculty and public library practitioners preparing under-represented and culturally diverse individuals for employment as support staff in public libraries. The Urban Library Program (ULP) is an intensive ten month education certificate at the para-professional…

This paper describes experiences of a reference librarian at California State University (Sacramento) who spent three weeks in Vladivostok (Russia) to assess the library and research needs of faculty and students at the Far Eastern State Technical University. After briefly describing the city of Vladivostok and its military role in the Soviet…

Presents results of a report on development trends in librarianship and schools of library and information science in the Neue Bundeslander of the Federal Republic of Germany. Discusses political, economic, and technical factors; cites specific changes in public, union, university, scientific, and special libraries; and reviews trends in library…

Notes that while youth services programs seem to be diminishing in importance in library schools across the country, the need for them is increasing. Discusses why youth services is an essential core service in public libraries. Illustrates the professional value of youth services skills. Examines reasons why Library/Information Science schools…

This book represents the thoughts and experiences of librarians and academics on the changing role of libraries in a global networked community. The first section of the book looks at the agendas for national libraries in a digital world. Issues covered include content and delivery, national policy and practice and strategies for success in a…

Bibliographic survey reviews major studies of careers and mobility of librarians in three countries. Studies in the United States focus on library school students or graduates; librarianship as a career; public, academic, and special libraries; and more than one type of librarian. British and Nigerian studies are more briefly reviewed. (EJS)

Discusses possibilities for cataloging Internet resources and the role that the library profession can play. Topics include the Dublin Core metadata; public library projects (Michigan Electronic Library "MEL" and Librarians' Index to the Internet "LII"); academic library projects (INFOMINE, Scout Report); commercial sites…

Describes the different levels of education and the management of various types of libraries (academic, special, public and school) in Saudi Arabia. Presents the current state of library and information science education in Saudi Arabia. Indicates constraints of librarianship as a career and suggests how to overcome them. (Author/AEF)

Describes a citation analysis of public library journal articles which shows that the public library literature functions as an interactive communication system between public librarians and library and information science educators. Prior research on communication in public librarianship, the role of journals, authorship, and citation patterns is…

Lists and discusses six journal articles written by Charles Bunge that discuss influences on statewide public library planning; the history of the University of Wisconsin library school; a tribute to Herbert Goldhor's work in public library service and administration and in scientific research in librarianship; and reflections on reference…

A Brazilian librarian with international experience reviews a cross-section of the literature on libraries and librarianship in developing countries as reported by observers from developed countries, deploring tendencies to make comparisons which imply value judgements, use models which reflect the experience of industrialized societies, display…

This paper discusses the central role of effective communication in library leadership and how a leadership role in the library and information community can define and help establish an information infrastructure in our society. The opportunity for this leadership to exist in the convergence of libraries and computer centers is examined in a…

Discusses the current focus on the librarian's role as educator as the result of the report, "A Nation at Risk," by National Commission on Excellence. Publications identifying responsibilities of academic, public, corporate, and technical librarians are examined noting library role in creation of learning society and views on…

Analyzes opinions of public library directors regarding library competencies that are most important for entry-level librarians now and in future; competencies that are most important to specializations within library; number of current library school graduates adequately possessing competencies; and where competencies should be acquired.…