Discusses use of the grounded theory approach to derive models of the information-seeking patterns of academic researchers. The background to the development of qualitative approaches to information studies in the United Kingdom is described, and the results of four studies of the information-seeking patterns of researchers are outlined. (Contains…

Discusses the role of history within the discipline of library and information studies. Topics addressed include steps in the historical method, i.e., research, source criticism, and synthesis; the interdisciplinary nature of the history of books; analytical bibliography; and the design and aesthetics of information, including print and electronic…

If students can direct visitors to their school library/media center, it probably is central to their learning. A 1992 study found the size of school library staff and collections to be the best school predictor of student achievement. Budget cuts have resulted in too many understaffed, understocked, and closed-down facilities. Cooperation with…

Two articles by librarians attending the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) Conference in Moscow in August 1991 report on the attempted coup in the Soviet Union. The lack of locally available information is discussed, and the use of personal computers to access outside information sources is described. (LRW)

Discussion of the instructional consultant role of the school library media specialist argues that the term "instructional partner" more accurately defines this concept. Professional and educational literature on this subject is reviewed, and a business consultant's personal recommendations to other consultants are applied to the school…

Review and examination of the current literature on reference interview evaluation explores the degree to which such evaluative practices are both desirable and achievable. It is concluded that, if both quantitative and qualitative techniques are appropriately used, accurate mechanisms of evaluation are possible and desirable. (17 references) (LRW)

Presents a scenario outlined by a librarian interested in sponsoring a staff development program together with a hired consultant. It is argued that, through candid discussions and a commitment to shared program goals, a successful match can be made between a librarian and the consultant. (MAB)

Discusses the use of copyright notices in libraries on reproducing equipment, including photocopiers, computer printers, videocassette recorders, and audiotape recorders; and presents guidelines to determine what works are in the public domain in the United States and the United Kingdom. A sidebar describes a new library copyright guide. (LRW)

Describes a study that examined the number of citations as an index of the quality of library and information science school faculties. Earlier studies are reviewed, publication productivity versus citation count is discussed, and results are presented that indicate measuring productivity by citation does not correlate with perceived quality. (12…

Reports on a study that examined the job satisfaction of academic librarians as related to faculty status, participation in academic affairs, and institutional decision making. Findings indicated that librarians with academic rank were more satisfied that nonfaculty or hybrid groups and that predictors of satisfaction included perceptions of…

Reviews research on faculty status of librarians to show that the roles and benefits included in the traditional model are not supported by empirical evidence. Two alternative approaches are suggested: using only the significant components or building new theories, based on conventional organizational theory or gender-based theory. (Contains 54…

Includes two articles that discuss time management and mail management strategies for librarians. Highlights include identifying personal work styles; planning and prioritizing; using calendars and computers; reexamining traffic patterns; delegating; and sorting and handling mail. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)

Provides a history from 1926 to the present of interlibrary lending services for scientific and technical literature in Great Britain. The British Library Document Supply Centre's development, current state, and future plans are described, including the availability of its services in North America. (Contains 14 references.) (EAM)

Presents a management model of ethical decision making in librarianship. Highlights include a definition of ethics; ethical concerns in information professions; the concept of social responsibility; ethical dimensions of decision making, including access to information and hiring decisions; ethical considerations for managers; and strategies for…

Presents the annual survey of prices for U.S. serial services for 1991 which was compiled in conjunction with the Faxon Company. Comparative data for 1977-91 are included for the areas of business, humanities, law, science and technology, social science, and documents, as well as serial services from the H.W. Wilson Company. (LRW)