Explores issues related to the role of libraries in the diffusion of knowledge and offers a critique of proposals for a national information policy. Twenty-seven references are cited. (FM)

Presents a model for the development of statewide levels of adequacy for public libraries. Recent developments affecting the profession's thinking about standards are reviewed, various dimensions of the concept of standards are discussed, and issues that remain to be resolved are identified. (Author/JD)

Applies the concept of competency-based education to library user instruction, and describes a number of competency-based programs currently in operation at academic libraries. (FM)

Outlines the development of public library policies and relationships with local government. Discussed are the prototype library, the imbalance of funding between large and small libraries, lack of theory in library education, and implications of the collectivist theory. The need for strong leadership and evaluation of library programs is…

Describes how an educational broker accomplishes the task of successfully matching educational resources with the needs of his adult education customer: the role of the educational broker, establishment of his database, accessing the data, publicizing the center, delivery of service, and the library's role/responsibility. (Author/JD)

Traces the various cultural and educational activities of the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (INIDCYA) in Iran in the development of children's library services. (Author/CWM)

Argues that the study and preservation of popular culture would lead to better understanding of the American people but that these cultural patterns have been largely ignored by the academic community. Four steps are outlined to facilitate the collection of popular culture materials by academic libraries. (CWM)

Examines the role of public library services in adult literacy education, the definition of literacy, the nature of service clientele, literacy program development, literacy research projects, patterns of service, materials service, and librarian training for such services. References are given. (FM)

Argues that the entrance of research libraries into the "arena," i.e., the area of public responsiveness, is a necessary adjustment to current realities. The special situations of patron-sponsored, affiliated, and independent research libraries are discussed in this light, using the Folger Library in Washington, D.C., as an example. (JD)

Reviews the current dynamic nature of library service to the disabled and institutionalized, emphasizing that the concept underlying the provision of special materials, facilities, and programs for such persons is not essentially different from that which underlies service to other adults: the librarian's role is to serve as intermediary between…

A study of 296 American Library Association members found that although library media specialists (LMS) support the instructional consultant role as stated in the guidelines of Information Power, they lagged in its practice; and LMSs who used flexible scheduling practiced the instructional consultant role more than LMSs who used fixed scheduling.…

Explores conflicting views of libraries as warehouses and providers of information. Provides background, highlighting rising serial subscription costs; develops understanding of the conflict by describing libraries based solely on ownership and access; and concludes that the successful library of the future will strike a balance between materials…

One solution to limited school library resources is for media specialists to create networks within the school, the district, and beyond to the Internet. Besides access to resources, networks create links for professional development and cooperation. (SK)

Discusses assessment of student academic achievement, how librarians can participate, the role of the Higher Learning Commission's assessment matrix and accredited institutions, examples of strategies institutions have used to deal with challenges to implementing useful assessment programs, and examples of indirect and direct measures of student…

Discusses meeting the needs of learners in United Kingdom libraries. Topics include the role of the public library; barriers to learning; implications for libraries; motivation to learn; motivating learners in libraries; meeting users' learning needs; and training for librarians. (LRW)