Reviews the personnel issues of greatest concern to academic librarians over the past 50 years, and discusses both the positive changes that have occurred and the issues that remain unresolved. An argument that the current environment provides an opportunity for librarians to ensure their central role in higher education is presented. (28…

Discussion of financing database searching in the public library examines the role of the public library in providing access to information; costs of online services; and user fees. Techniques that a library can use to control online services and deliver them at a minimum cost are suggested. (eight references) (MES)

Describes the functions of the National Zoological Park Branch of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, which is dedicated to supporting the special information needs of the zoo. Topics covered include the library's history, collection, programs, services, future plans, and relations with other zoo libraries. (two references) (Author/CLB)

Discusses the value of critical thinking in higher education and the role of the librarian in teaching these skills. Nine questions that students can use to evaluate their readings are listed, and class discussion of library research methods and review of the evaluation questions are recommended. (11 references) (MES)

This review of the effectiveness of bibliotherapy as a correctional rehabilitation tool discusses the need for library educators and associations to recognize that the function of prison libraries is to advance the freedom to read, not to provide formal educational or rehabilitational programs. (10 references) (CLB)

Summarizes events at an OCLC-sponsored conference at which three major issues were addressed: (1) how public libraries will improve access to services and resources; (2) how public librarians will interact with users and what skills/attitudes they will require; and (3) the impact of interlibrary cooperation in light of changes in society and…

Summarizes the history of library internships in cataloging. Reviews a survey of 112 academic practitioners and educators regarding the value of cataloging internships in the masters of library science program. Findings indicate that internships are needed to educate library students. Sample cataloging internship programs are appended. (JMV)

Presents a collection of five essays on accreditation and the role libraries play in the process. Topics include: an overview of the accreditation process, librarian participation in the accreditation process, summary of what happens after the accreditation committee leaves, evaluation of libraries and services provided, and determination of…

Discusses the lack of professional literature awareness on the part of health care professionals in developing countries. Topics addressed include symptoms and causes of this problem, including economic factors and a tradition of oral communication; the role of literature awareness in health systems; and the promotion of literature awareness. (18…

Reports the comments of directors of 11 large urban public libraries regarding the external roles of library directors, i.e., local politics, constituency building, and fund raising. The libraries represented are Chicago, New York City, Queens Borough, Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston, Denver, Cleveland, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. (two…

Summarizes issues raised at the 1991 spring conference of the Association of College and Research Libraries/New England Chapter (ACRL/NEC) concerning computer networks and libraries. Highlights include national information policy; library resources and services; developments at the National Agricultural Library (NAL); ILLINET; resource sharing in…

Discusses the need for strategic goal setting for libraries and information services and the relationship of this process to evolving technologies. The role of the library in a changing society is examined, the value of library services is considered, and a model for change is proposed. (nine references) (LRW)

Points out the availability of a wide range of information useful to business students (business statistics, information on international business, and entrepreneurship) available in federal government depository libraries. (SR)

Considers current and potential uses of libraries as National Technical Information Service (NTIS) access points, describes the library community's strengths and weaknesses, and suggests future trends. A proposal for using libraries as vehicles for broader access for current and potential NTIS users is outlined. (Contains 32 references.) (EAM)

Examined 32 toy libraries in Sweden, England, Canada, and Australia to identify similarities and differences on program model, sponsorship and location, program goals, participants, staffing, toys and materials, program operation, perceived effects, and current concerns. Identifies trends related to the role of toy libraries in meeting family and…