Public libraries are heavily affected by political and policy-making processes that shape the funding, activities, and roles of libraries in society, with the explosion of information policy decisions in the past two decades significantly increasing the responsibilities of libraries while also increasing limitations on their activities. Research…

What might motivate someone with a natural science degree to forgo the lab and pursue a non-traditional career in librarianship? Are there differences between LIS graduates with and without a science degree that might impact recruitment strategies? An analysis of data from a longitudinal career study, "Workforce Issues in Library and…

The research libraries in Finland are in the majority of case libraries of universities and other institutions for higher education. Libraries in research institutes and some other special libraries account for some 20-30% of the total operational capacity. It is hoped the necessity of efficient libraries as a support to teaching and research will…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Melvil Dewey's work in the American public library, both in Dewey's day and today. Using the writings of Melvil Dewey, as well as writings about him, this study examined what changes Dewey made and influenced as they specifically related to services provided to library users. This included…

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…

Research on public libraries is conducted in library and information science schools, commercial firms, state library agencies, research institutes, and some public libraries and library systems. While a number of library science professionals demand research, there appears to be a lack of the communication of research results so that they may be…

Recent government initiatives to combat social exclusion within the United Kingdom have served to place librarians and libraries as prominent players in the movement to providing information over a wider social context. For example, The Peoples Network is a government initiative to connect all public libraries to the information superhighway by…

This annotated bibliography of nonbook materials on library-information science represents the holdings of 40 public and academic libraries in Missouri. These collections offer a substantial listing of materials on teaching library skills from preschool to the adult level, inservice training and orientation, library outreach, special librarianship…

Presents perspectives from a library educator and three library administrators on the core values of librarianship, particularly public librarianship. The four contributors emphasize: cooperation for a shared endeavor, a passion to provide access, connecting information and people, and offering choice to individuals without restriction. (AEF)

The Internet and new information technology have created new jobs for librarians in nontraditional settings. This article examines new (corporate libraries and information centers) and redefined (academic and public libraries) "techno-jobs" in the information field. Provides a survey of market indicators and offers job hunting hints.…