Natural light and low lighting levels with individual task level lamps contribute to a low energy use at the Sawyer Library. (Author/MLF)

Intended to introduce librarians to social science concepts relevant to the future of librarianship, this essay explores Birdsall's thesis that librarians belong to a special class of professions that share knowledge with their clients, and that the problems of these professions are political as well as social and economic. (EM)

This discussion of the artistic merit and universal appeal of picture books was presented at the 1987 convention of the Catholic Library Association. A bibliography of books from which slides were taken to accompany the presentation is included. (Author/EM)

Reviews the evolution of libraries from their 19th century foundations in bibliography into institutions providing information per se. A major advance in direct information provision, the Electronic Information Delivery Online System (EIDOS), which is under development by OCLC, is described and future prospects for librarianship are suggested. (10…

Discusses the concept of time management and its value in the small or one-person library. Some misconceptions about time management are considered, and continuing education is recommended for librarians to learn time management skills. (MES)

Outlines the process involved in selecting or developing software for building a machine-readable database and the special librarian's role in that process. The following steps are identified: (1) needs assessment; (2) project cost and justification; (3) software selection; (4) implementation; and (5) startup and maintenance. Twelve references are…

Presents a "family tree" of optical technologies with a list of definitions, and briefly discusses some of the issues relating to optical technologies and their use in libraries. (CLB)

Discusses the advantages of vertical file collections for nonconventional literature, and describes the classification scheme used for fugitive literature by the Acid Rain Information Clearinghouse at the Center for Environmental Information. An annotated list of organizations and examples of titles they offer is provided. (8 notes with…

Discusses the use of videocassettes as professional tools for librarians. Such applications as continuing education, downloading of teleconferences, and training for vendor systems are described. A sidebar reviews and provides ordering information for seven continuing education or training videos. (MES)

Reviews the economic theory of property rights and explores four applications of the transaction cost theory of property rights and free distribution in the economics of information: (1) copying technology; (2) computer software and copy protection; (3) satellite television and encryption; and (4) public libraries. (56 references) (MES)

Discussion of the application of CD-ROM technology for online public access catalogs (OPACs) covers: (1) the production process; (2) costs; (3) advantages and disadvantages of using CD-ROM; (4) current CD-ROM applications; and (5) future developments. (5 references) (MES)

Describes a cooperative project between the Hinsdale (Illinois) Public Library and the local schools to publish a literary magazine. Goals, selection of an editorial board, rules for contributions, promotion, a cover design contest, format, selection and editing of entries, and the layout and printing process are discussed. Sample entries are…

Reports findings of a survey of 10 general access collections of microcomputer hardware and software located in university libraries. Hardware, software, staffing, and software evaluation collections are discussed, and miscellaneous comments and tips from respondents are included. Seven appendices list data. (MES)

Explores the following issues affecting the integration of an optical information system in a library: (1) database contents; (2) retrieval software and indexing; (3) cost effectiveness; (4) data access time; (5) costs; (6) standardization; (7) security and access; and (8) impact on other services. (MES)

This description of an electronic bulletin board used by the Wisconsin Interlibrary Services network to process requests covers hardware, software, costs, advantages of the system, operation, training, maintenance, and problems encountered. (MES)