Argues that reference librarians serve as consultants at the point of interaction as they educate patrons in the use of the online catalog and demonstrate their role in finding and providing information. Specific areas of consultation are discussed as is the relationship of formal instruction to point of use instruction. (10 references) (MES)

Examined frequency of preschool lending library use by parents at four preschool centers. Quantitative data included tabulations of monthly library usage and inventories of materials. Qualitative data included interviews, on-site observations, and a parent focus group interview. Found that factors contributing to high usage included physical…

Presents results of a survey of how small liberal arts colleges manage their art collections. The current role of some academic libraries as art managers and the potential for librarians expanding this role are discussed. As trained collection managers, academic librarians are well positioned to manage campus art collections. (Contains 20…

Discusses problems in the U.S. depository library system and offers suggestions for improvement, including cutting the List of Classes so libraries have more control over material selection; adding more public libraries as depositories; and restructuring regional depository library responsibilities so they do not have to keep all publications.…

Discusses leadership and the role of librarians as leaders based on the author's personal background. Topics addressed include experiences as president of the American Library Association; libraries and the ideal of democracy; information utilization; tools for empowerment; leaders as change agents; entrepreneurial leaders; and future needs. (LRW)

The library of the next decade will answer the demands of its changing community rather than implement new technology simply to facilitate traditional operations. Library users are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the use of technology and diverse resources, and will demand a high level of service and accessibility. (MSE)

Discusses qualities of traditional librarians, examines past and future library roles, and addresses the need to change librarian leadership requirements in response to technological advancements in libraries. Presents leadership qualities necessary for future information service leaders and supports these qualities with findings from literature…

Examines the role of information professionals in selecting vendor services within the context of the theme "the future of information services." Reviews options information professionals have in terms of selecting vendor services; evaluates professional services, end-user services, and vendor support; and provides an historical…

Discusses the introduction and evolution of the term "global village" by author Marshall McLuhan, and presents findings from literature that associate libraries and education with society's technological advancements such as telecommunication and computerized services. Examines the role of libraries, librarians, commerce, and global…

Presents a fictional scenario of library reference service for the first part of the 21st century. Examines 10 major social trends for the 1990s; critiques services in terms of these trends and notes the library's role and the need to incorporate them into reference services. (Author/AEF)

Discusses innovative approaches to producing audio versions of books, including publication of original manuscripts in audio form; the use of electronic music; children's books with built-in speakers; computer-assisted audio books; and an electronic short story magazine. The future of electronic books and the role of libraries are considered. (MES)

Describes the results of Flossmoor Public Library's long-range planning initiatives for youth services, which has resulted in improvements in collection development and programing. Evaluation procedures and techniques were recognized as valuable learning tools to increase the effectiveness of services, enhance communication with the board and…

Selective review of the collection development literature for 1991 discusses the access versus ownership issue; organization, policy, and planning; budgets and finance; selection; assessment, weeding, and preservation; and special collections. (177 references) (MES)

This 1991 poll by the University of Illinois' Library Research Center consisted of a telephone survey of a representative national sample of 1,181 people and a mail survey of a random sample of 541 Public Library Association members. Data were gathered on public and professional opinions about public library services, collections, censorship,…

Discussion of the present deterioration in public services focuses on indigent and homeless library patrons and the Kreimer v. Morristown litigation. Issues of access and intellectual freedom are addressed, First Amendment rights are discussed, and implications of this case for libraries' roles as public forums are examined. (five references) (LRW)