Discusses the relationship between the library and publishing communities and issues that impact the relationship. Topics covered include an overview of cooperative efforts and tensions created by issues such as photocopying and copyright, repackaging of government information by commercial publishers, the power of publishing conglomerates, and…

Describes procedures used by the St. Paul Public Library (Minnesota) to gather input from patrons to use in developing a new strategic plan. The use of group interviews and a survey to identify which roles of the library were important to users and which services supported each role is explained. (two references) (LRW)

Suggests that children's imaginations are not shrinking. Discusses seven ways in which English teachers, librarians, publishers, and authors have used adolescent literature in creative and imaginative ways. (RS)

Discussion of the right of the U.S. public to know highlights the importance of libraries and librarians in a democracy; the role of libraries in disseminating and providing open and equitable access to information; and obstacles they currently face that are putting both libraries and public's right to know at risk. (MAB)

Shows how l'Heure Joyeuse, a children's library started in Paris in 1923 as a gift from U.S. philanthropists, became a model of open-access, user-oriented public libraries. L'Heure Joyeuse's unique role in the development of public libraries in France from before 1900 to the present is described. (41 references) (EAM)

Reports on an exploratory comparative study of the impact of whole language on four elementary school libraries. Finds that librarians were excited about the impact of whole language, and that they wanted to talk to someone about it. Concludes that whole language empowers librarians. (RS)

Discusses the possible ethical conflicts when librarians serve on the governing bodies and/or committees of regional, state, or national professional associations and issues arise that could impact their own institutions. Several case studies are presented that examine issues librarians face when engaged in an expanded professional role. (LRW)

Summarizes results of a survey on the value of the corporate library and presents a strategy for successful information management: (1) learn the information needs of senior executives; (2) be businesslike; (3) defend your turf; (4) segment the market; (5) market to those who need information; and (6) be involved in the business. (Three…

Explains virtual reality, including proper and improper uses of the term, and suggests ways that libraries might be affected by it. Highlights include elements of virtual reality systems; possible virtual reality applications, including architecture, the chemical industry, transport planning, armed forces, and entertainment; and the virtual…

This interview with the presidents of two firms in the electronic news delivery business--Desktop Data and Individual, Inc.--explores the merger of the two companies that resulted in the formation of NewsEDGE Corporation, which provides selected news briefings based on the Internet. The role of the corporate library is also discussed. (LRW)

Considers whether libraries are artifact-bound institutions and therefore will be replaced as the dominant technology for information communication moves from tangible objects to electronic bits on a network. Topics include what libraries are for; libraries as information subsidy; subsidies for networked information; and the digital library as…

After years of cutbacks, the pivotal role of public libraries in providing lifelong learning resources is being recognized. In Britain, a consortium for public-library networking is extending libraries' ability to deliver knowledge-based services. (SK)

Reports on a study designed to identify the authors of academic library home pages and to investigate the nature of their training and their use of newly-acquired Web-design skills. Considers professional identity, length of service, current job title, prior education, and institutional support. Contains 34 references. (Author/LRW)

Explains four historical discontinuities: time and space; mind and body; real and virtual; and humans and technology. Considers how an awareness of them can assist librarians in creating virtual space for libraries, adapting to changing roles, and developing new value-added services. (Contains 126 references.) (Author/LRW)

Traces the history of the Harry Lasker Library at the Highlander Research and Education Center near Knoxville, Tennessee, from the first book donations in 1933 to its revitalization in the mid-1990s. Discusses the role of the library as a resource center supporting nonformal education for social activism and the contributions of librarians Hilda…