Discusses the oral tradition of Africa as history, as literature, and as an ongoing characteristic of African culture. It is argued that libraries should accommodate this tradition by actively gathering oral history and by providing community services based on oral, rather than written, materials. (Nine references) (CLB)

Discusses the challenges of running a library in a political environment, and offers observations and strategies to aid in public library management. Areas discussed include governance, funding, personnel management, relationships with the press, working with elected officials, and negotiating strategies and skills. (CLB)

Describes the historical background, structure, and services of OCLC. Ways in which OCLC can assist small rural libraries in meeting users' needs are discussed, including cataloging, access to a wide range of library resources, access to CD-ROM technology, and provision of a major resource sharing tool through the "Online Union Catalog"…

Reports the findings of a questionnaire distributed to public libraries that serve populations over 100,000 that addressed the professional information needs of librarians. Three major areas are discussed: topics for staff involvement on a national level; conference program formats conducive for such involvement; and major concerns of public…

Describes a survey that determined the ages of librarians in academic, public, and legislative libraries in Western Canada in order to estimate how many jobs will be created by retirements. Respondents' predictions of library growth in the coming decade and employment sectors where growth or decline might occur are also discussed. (17 references)…

Describes ways in which people use local collections, increased interest in local history in Great Britain, and sources of local history. The discussion includes the implications for training librarians, and the need to offer training to all librarians, not just those who specialize in local studies work. (31 references) (CLB)

Gives 10 essential tips for building children's collections, including using a systematic spending plan; applying circulation figures; making replacement purchases a priority; getting more copies and fewer titles; allocating funds for popular paperbacks; buying paperback fiction; seeking basic skills materials; taking advantage of vendor services;…

Focuses on defining the role of the library director in one-person public, academic, and special libraries. A profile survey of 67 such directors showing their career paths is presented. Data on education and training, staffing, issues of concern, job satisfaction, and demographic characteristics are provided. (Contains 26 references.) (Author/KRN)

Discusses the future of libraries' extended access and services. Highlights include disposing myths and projections for the future, problems and promises of new technologies, increasing public and academic library funding, and planning for extended libraries. (AEF)

Describes a needs assessment of public library services for young people in Berkeley, California, that resulted in the development of a training position for high school students at the Berkeley Public Library. Highlights include the assessment process, creating a service plan, youth at risk, and a job description of the training position. (SLW)

Describes a system of resource sharing based on dial-up access to CD-ROM databases that was developed by a group of rural public and school libraries in Washington that includes document delivery, involves no network, and is inexpensive. Highlights include computer selection; database selection; licensing fees; and future possibilities. (LRW)

Discusses the provision of HIV-AIDS information by public libraries in rural communities through collaboration and networking with social services agencies as well as standard library-based methods of information delivery. Suggests useful materials and provides models and examples for successful program implementation. (JKP)

Reports on a panel presentation given at the 1991 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference that discussed emerging technologies in resource sharing and document delivery. Highlights include issues to consider before implementing new technologies; managerial and policy issues; impacts on public library service; and public school library…

A workshop for high school, public, and college librarians resulted in a list of seven basic information seeking strategies that all high school graduates should be familiar with. The strategies include perspective, familiarity, search strategies, basic library skills, awareness of the variety of information, ability to analyze materials, and…

Describes the design plans for San Francisco Public Library's new Main Library. Highlights include administrative issues, including the role of branch libraries; funding; technology, both for the building itself and for the collections; accessibility for the physically impaired; special collections; and future plans, including an integrated…