This research article explores the concept that libraries as communication centres in sub-Saharan Africa can play a vital role in bringing poverty relief by providing greater access to information through modern technology. It discusses the patrons who can benefit from community information centres and explores their particular needs. I have…

Do library catalogs compete with Google or is it the other way around? We know which came first but which will finish in the end? Only trained library professionals were considered qualified to develop reliable catalog records. However, with the increased sophistication of search engines, we are beginning to realize that a collaborative effort may…

These Guidelines constitute the third edition of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) "Multicultural Communities: "Guidelines for Library Services." This revision follows the IFLA Section of Library Services to Multicultural Populations' "2006-2010 Strategic Plans": to review and revise the…

Discusses the concept of information as a commodity and several approaches to selling information. Problems with the commodification of information are identified, including user fees that exclude the poor, censorship, and educational liabilities. A plan of action for libraries to resist this trend is described. (18 references) (MES)

Discusses core beliefs held by traditional academic libraries, and how these beliefs represented something of value for the user and provided a common intellectual framework. Identifies disturbing trends in modern librarianship, and suggests libraries need to balance technological knowledge with a respect for traditional library practice, focusing…

Innovations from Google[TM] and Amazon[R] are clear wake-up calls that as a profession and an industry things need to be done differently. Automation vendors and librarians must work together to ensure that the profession is positioned to take advantage of changing culture and technology to assume a rightful place at the table where rich and…

This article is an exploration of the relationship between Australian soldiers and wartime libraries in the First and Second World Wars. It examines the way soldiers, as readers, used a variety of libraries, including those of charitable organizations, the education libraries organized by military authorities, and the libraries formed in Prisoner…

Argues that bookstores are not superior and do not pose a threat to libraries. Discusses what libraries can learn from bookstores; where bookstores fall short; low wages of bookstore clerks; misshelving problems in bookstores due to the classification system; how the library classification system can be improved; and libraries' strengths. (AEF)

If libraries what influential people in their service areas to regard them as full partners in community building, libraries need to know their information needs before they do, and get the resources into their hands that will facilitate their decision-making before they realize they need it. Suggestions are provided for effective marketing of…

Presents 12 ideals that libraries strive for, including informing citizens; breaking down boundaries, including literacy programs; promoting equity in resource availability; valuing the individual; nourishing creativity; helping children; providing business information; building communities; supporting families; fighting censorship challenges;…

The Technical Chamber (TEE) is the professional organization of Greek engineers as well as the consultant of the Government to technical issues. Besides central services in Athens, TEE has 15 regional sections and most of them have small libraries to serve the local engineering community. All libraries are connected online to TEE network and use…

Examines the last 20 years of developments in the information profession, pinpoints the realities and possibilities new technologies represent, and discusses what technology offers the user. Cultural issues raised by the information age are discussed. Limits to free circulation of information are described, and the steps needed to remove obstacles…

Discussion of the proposed National Information Infrastructure (NII) focuses on the need for the NII to assist educational institutions, libraries, governments, and nonprofit organizations in carrying out their responsibilities for public access to information. New communications technologies are discussed; the role of librarians is examined; and…

This paper shows how the content of a World Wide Web page is selected and how an examination of the intended audience influences content. Examples from the New Mexico Tech (NMT) Library homepage show what sources are selected and what level of detail is appropriate for the intended audience. Six fundamental functions of libraries and information…

The Council on Library Resources was created to address the problems of libraries and is now committed to the most significant library problem of all, ensuring that library resources are embraced as part of the solution for people who seek to solve their own problems and those of their communities and institutions. In this annual report, the…