When the Master of Library and Information Sciences (MLISc) program at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was offered at a distance, many questions were raised regarding its effectiveness. Outcomes are presented of a detailed case study of its impact on the first group of learners at the Calcutta Regional Center of IGNOU. (AEF)

Analyzes the "Journal of the American Society for Information Science's (JASIS's)" and its immediate predecessor, "American Documentation's," position in library and information science journal rankings published during the last half-century. Concludes that journal rankings represent a frequently overlooked tool of value to…

Looks at the changing character of education for librarianship in the Information Age, examining the issues of equity for women and people of color and emphasizing faculty and students in the emerging curriculum. Examines relative support for Library Science and for Information Science courses, measured by faculty distribution in the two areas.…

A memorial lecture for Sister Lauretta McCusker of Rosary College, this paper reflects on the history of the institution, where she was a professor in the Master of Arts in Library Science program, and offers thoughts on the future of education for the library and information professions. (Author/AEF)

Reviews the historical background and current trends of library- and information science-education in Japan. Analyzes the various types of curriculum and the teaching staff of these institutions, while identifying factors influencing library and information-science education. Mentions present issues of the education system and discusses future…

Examines authorship characteristics of 163 articles written by 294 authors in four major information science journals to determine author details: sex, occupation, affiliation, geographic distribution, and institutional affiliation. Findings indicate that males (70%) publish three times more compared to females (23.5%), and the school of library…

Discusses a distance-education, library and information-technology program developed by Northwest Technical College (NTC) in Bemidji, Minnesota taught via correspondence, interactive television, and the Internet. (PEN)

Notes that while youth services programs seem to be diminishing in importance in library schools across the country, the need for them is increasing. Discusses why youth services is an essential core service in public libraries. Illustrates the professional value of youth services skills. Examines reasons why Library/Information Science schools…

Based on a process evaluation carried out at the University of Wales Aberystwyth (UWA) investigating the effectiveness of existing evaluation procedures for the BSc Econ in Information and Library Studies by distance learning. After discussing the research process, this article describes findings in relation to the perceived gaps in the evaluation…

Discusses the need for a graduate degree in librarianship. Topics include differences between undergraduate and master's level courses; experience; in-house training programs; incentives for library support staff to get a master's degree; and professionalism, including the ability to build community, technological literacy, and a belief in the…

Previews the agenda for the American Library Association's 2002 Midwinter Meeting. Topics include the incompatibility of Bush administration national security initiatives with traditional rights of intellectual freedom; budget cuts; government funding; new roles for libraries in times of crisis; Internet access and control; and librarians'…

Refutes the claim that top-rated programs in library science tend to maintain and enhance their reputation by hiring their own and each other's graduates and that this pattern of inbreeding was likely to be harmful to the field. Concludes convincing evidence was not provided and the true situation may be other than claimed. (PEN)

Articulates key elements in the "invisible substrate" of information science. Emphasizes information science's role as a meta-science--conducting research and developing theory around documentary products of other disciplines and activities. Suggests that mental activities of information science center around "representation" and "organization" of…

Examines how an academic library (Bowling Green State University) "insourced" (retaining services/providing services for others) operations such as photocopying, snack vending, library science education, management of a book depository, and cataloging for another institution. Includes examples of unsuccessful attempts to insource. (PEN)

These four reports discuss the electronic publishing industry, including dedicated reading devices for electronic books, reader software, Web-based commercial e-book libraries, intellectual property issues, and standards; outsourcing practices in libraries; the use of Internet filters in North American schools; and recent developments and future…