Maintains that national information policy should be geared to the preservation and encouragement of trial-and-error evolutionary mechanisms that will stimulate innovation in library and information services. Seventeen references are cited. (FM)

Reviews the development of a fault tolerant database processor system which replaced OCLC's conventional file system. A general introduction to database management systems and the operating environment is followed by a description of the hardware selection, software processes, and system characteristics. (SW)

Considers the problem of predicting monthly demands for library network services, especially the use of forecasts as inputs to policy analysis models and as aids to budgeting and staffing decisions. Several forecasting methods are discussed. (FM)

Provides an overview of the present state of library instruction programs through data gathered by the Library Orientation/Information Exchange (LOEX), a central clearinghouse of library user instructional materials and methods. (FM)

Describes techniques currently used to instruct individual library users, including library tours, handbooks, guides, programed instruction, and computer-assisted instruction. (FM)

Discusses the need for appropriate basic literacy materials, notes the value of student-produced materials, and describes British publications produced by students and tutors. (CHC)

Identifies several common attitudes of institutions, trainees, and trainers regarding the training of a backup searcher. Ten tips are given for dealing with the less-than-perfect training situation, with recommendations (depending on the combination of attitudes) for internal or external training, or both. (SW)

The Inner City Bookmobile Unit provides books and other materials in many languages for people in more than 30 ethnic communities in the Los Angeles area. The program reaches children and adults who have limited access to and negative attitudes toward regular libraries. (SK)

The author states her belief that the school library (in this case used synonymously with resource center and media center) fosters creativity, freedom of thought, individualized study, and self-education. She believes, therefore, that the school library should be thought of as an essential component in the instructional process. (KC)

Discusses the importance of a knowledge of basic statistical concepts for a librarian's education, and the problem of implementing such an introductory course. Two class exercises dealing with sampling and probability and the Central Limit Theorem are described, and 11 references are included. (BK)

Continuing education for school media specialists will continue to be necessary as these professionals develop specific learning needs. In identifying these needs, media specialists must evaluate their current performances, based on accepted definitions of competency, and then take personal responsibility for acquiring what education they need.…

Describes the Continuing Library Education Network and Exchange (CLENE) Inc. Voluntary Recognition Service which evaluates continuing education activities for information, library, and media specialists. The scope of the service and its relationship to existing educational programs is discussed. (BK)

Discusses source monopoly and its effects on historical scholarship. Suggests that what is needed is a series of international depositories which serve as clearinghouses for the creation and preservation of oral materials. Ideally, these clearinghouses would be staffed by specially trained historians. (DB)

A statement on the ever-present need to fight for freedom of speech and against censorship. (RL)

The productivity of 31 Canadian universities is evaluated in terms of the number of publications from each. In addition, various features of these universities such as revenue, number of library volumes and periodicals subscribed to, year the university was founded, student and faculty size are examined. (JMF)