Traces the evolution of the Queens Borough Public Library's New Americans Project and describes its multifaceted approach in assisting immigrants to adjust to their new environment, including: (1) foreign-language collections; (2) English as a second language courses; (3) coping skills training; and (4) cultural programing. Seventeen references…

Past studies that apply the sociological definition of professionalism to librarianship are summarized, and recent criticisms of this definition are investigated. Alternative models of professionalism and concepts of theoretical knowledge and service are discussed, and a reexamination of the professional nature of librarians' work is proposed. (23…

Reviews the traditional academic library services offered to faculty researchers and describes patterns of the academic research process. A more active librarian role in the research process is proposed, to be accomplished through understanding research in the information transfer process and the role of the researcher. (17 references) (CLB)

Discusses the relationship between data and the recipient, and the academic library and its institutional information systems. Examples are drawn from the sciences, including medicine, because of their greater intensity of experimentation and change in information management. New roles for libraries and librarians are highlighted. (EJS)

Considers three-dimensional impact of future information society on libraries--diffusion of information technology (library automation, electronic bibliographic control, remote access to library); transformation of societal systems (appearance of information literacy educational system, intelligence infrastructure); and changing human needs (goal…

Discussion of role of school library media centers (SLMCs) in multitype library networks notes five basic factors that contribute to their exclusion from library networks: psychological, political and legal, funding, communication, and planning. Examples of programs attempting to reduce barriers to school participation in library networks are…

Description of impact of various technological trends on Canadian special libraries provides brief descriptions of innovative techniques and services developed to meet the challenges. Access to information, "qualitization" of output, support for nodal executive, training function, integration of information flows, charging for…

Discussion of the homeless in American public libraries focuses on harmless individuals who may be considered nuisance by library staff/patrons. Highlights include literature about problem library patrons, national problem, social issues, major themes (offense to others and library staff, balancing rights, and elitism), and implications for…

Examines two issues to determine how they affect delivery of consumer health information: (1) Who is responsible for disseminating consumer health information, and what role should public and health science libraries play? (2) Should librarians (public or health science) provide medical reference works for general public? Thirty-five references…

Since 1976, Uris Undergraduate Library at Cornell University has provided a program in bibliographic instruction involving 140-150 classes per year and reaching between 2,500 and 3,500 students. In addition to course related and course integrated classes for students at all levels, the program includes intensive training for teacher-librarians.…

This essay explores issues arising as librarians and publishers exploit new technologies--economic constraints, different discipline predilections for formats of information, intransigence of some scholars to alter communication patterns--and examines future of electronic publication and how the scholar, the library, and publishing industry will…

Discussion of compulsory school attendance in United States focuses on a national exodus from public schools into self-education or other alternative education by the 5 percent of the nation's children classified as gifted. Nurturing of the innovative mind and entrepreneurial daring by the public library movement is addressed. Six references are…

The Library Orientation Exchange (LOEX) provides assistance to librarians in developing library instruction programs for college faculty. It offers information and materials, compiles research reports, constructs bibliographies, and gives advice. (MSE)

Discusses cultural changes and the meaning of their relationship to medical libraries. Three possible strategies aimed toward creating environment where innovation and risk-taking are encouraged are discussed: create integrative organizational environment; assemble staffs whose collective competencies span necessary roles in innovation process;…

Reviews literature on the counselor librarian and discusses problem areas accounting for resistance to concept--trend toward return to basic library services, advice and advocacy, resistance to accepting behavioral sciences, learning and teaching "helping" concepts, public acceptance, work environment, management support, staff development, and…