Visual images of gender from five years of three library publications were examined. Results, charted in five figures, are discussed in terms of journal covers, entire issues, text, advertisements, number of professional librarians, and academic versus general libraries. Findings show that women are visually underrepresented. (AEF)

Discusses the shape of the ARL (Association of Research Libraries) age distribution due to the unprecedented increase in the number of library positions in the 1960s and the subsequent reduction in the rate of hire. Considers the limited mobility of many ARL librarians and the age at entry of new hires. (Author/LRW)

This literature review, covering materials between 1996 and 1998, focuses on the development and application of metadata standards used by the library and information science communities to describe, retrieve, and manage information in the digital environment. Discusses MARC as metadata; SGML-based metadata; and the Dublin Core element set.…

Discussion of interoperability among computer networks focuses on the need for information policy and information standards to ensure information access. Highlights include library standards; challenges of networked environment standards; and interoperability as a technical goal for information access. (Contains 9 references.) (LRW)

Examines how one university, serving isolated rural settlements and small, remote island communities, built a school library capable of serving the special needs of its exceptionally diverse student population as a learning center. Design goals, facility operations, and building assessment are also discussed. (GR)

Explores the appropriateness for flexible work schedules for corporate librarians and provides insight into the benefits of flexible work arrangements in other industries. Highlights include technological changes that have changed roles and made resources available electronically; telecommuters; job sharing; and the effects of flexible…

Discussion of imposed and self-generated queries focuses on a study that investigated imposed queries in the elementary school environment. Examines queries transacted in the school library media center and discusses the social construction of imposition, children's information seeking including the use of electronic resources, and future…

Describes the efforts at Boston Public Library to recover from serious flooding that damaged computer equipment. Discusses vendor help in assessing the damage; the loss of installation disks; hiring consultants to help with financial matters; effects on staff; repairing and replacing damaged equipment; insurance issues; and disaster recovery…

Explores the abilities of Generation X (individuals born 1961 to 1981) librarians to respond to the evolving needs of society. Highlights include age demographics, generational attributes, technology, and the seniority system. (PEN)

Reviews resources that address change theory, particularly as it applies to school library media specialists. Discusses educational change models; participating in planned change; change agents; failures of change initiatives; and the need for change in education. (LRW)

Illustrates how paying attention to details such as doors can make all the difference between an ordinary school library and an outstanding one. Discusses effective design techniques, factors to incorporate into planning, and the influence of technology on library size. (GR)

Describes a webometric analysis of linkages to library and information science (LIS) department Web sites in United Kingdom universities. Concludes that situation data are not well suited to evaluation of LIS departments and that departments can boost Web site visibility by hosting a wide range of materials. (Author/LRW)

Traces the development of online public access catalogs (OPACs) and compares what has occurred with a 1964 article that outlined recommendations for a future card catalog. Subject access is emphasized, including Library of Congress Subject Headings, expansion of OPACs, user-friendly interfaces, new technologies, and current visions of the future…

Describes expert systems and discusses their use in libraries. Highlights include parts of an expert system; expert system shells; an example of how to build an expert system; a bibliography of 34 sources of information on expert systems in libraries; and a list of 10 expert system shells used in libraries. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Discusses a survey of 387 Nebraska school library media specialists regarding their perceived roles (as teacher, information specialist, instructional consultant) and school district evaluation practices. Fully 72% are not evaluated at all, are evaluated on a teacher-evaluation form, or are evaluated without apparent criteria. They are not…