Genre is a hot issue in readers' advisory (RA) circles right now. Many people are looking at how genre functions and morphs. Studying a genre is not a new idea. Over two decades ago, and even longer in less formal ways, librarians began gathering to study genres--asking such questions as in what genre does this book fit and why, what are its…

If the resort city of Anaheim, California, home of Disneyland and its "imagineers," marked a departure from the urban reality of the typical American Library Association (ALA) annual conference, it was impossible, at this 2008 meeting, to avoid urgent library issues. How do libraries maintain their value and cultural presence as users…

The importance of paraprofessional personnel in a university library is discussed. (PF)

Library schools must produce new generations of librarians and information specialists with a clear vision of the characteristics and potential of full information delivery systems. (Author/PF)

Discussion of extent of information malpractice highlights role of information broker, copyrights and fees, special library problems, protection against malpractice, contracts, ready reference risks, education against malpractice, continuing education, personal values, malpractice insurance, information producers, Dun and Bradstreet versus…

Explores current pressures for research libraries to adopt new technologies, myths that impede progress, the question of what resources and search strategies researchers tend to rely on, and attitudes of faculty toward librarians and library services. User needs, convenience, and timeliness in providing library services are emphasized, and…