The independent research libraries have diverse origins and have traveled many paths toward today's complex of library resources in this country. The motives for their founding are many, and their varying sizes belie the uniform significance of their collections to the national resource. (Author)

This statement, issued to encourage librarians to take an active part in literacy work, describes the National Literacy Campaign in England and associated library activities. (Author/KP)

Science fiction is used to describe four scenarios of the library of the future: completely computerized; rehumanized; post-cataclysmic, reinvented; and post-computer, mental high-tech. The future is discussed in terms of what is possible, probable, and desirable. An exercise is suggested for librarians to examine their own ideas about the future…

The unwritten policy of the Huntsville-Madison County (Alabama) Public Library for dealing with unattended children includes librarian involvement with the children, increased public awareness of the problem, and a priority on children's services. It is noted, however, that the library cannot serve as a day care operation. (MES)

The Deputy Librarian of Congress responds to a Library Journal editorial on the Library of Congress' role in the development of the diethyl zinc process in preservation technology. Safety issues, DEZ as prototype, progress and success claims, deciding which books to save, and why DEZ should be used are explained. (EM)

The intention of this article is to serve as a guide to the literature treating the historical development of the American public library. (A fuller version of this article is ERIC document ED 071 668.) (22 references) (Author/SJ)

If there is to be a great debate" within librarianship, statement or restatement of objectives should be the starting point, not the possibilities of applying computers to libraries and information. If professional persons are to have influence over the future of society, a great debate must soon begin. (2 references) (Author/NH)

The paper describes the attempts made in recent years to determine the essential functions of a national library. It considers these functions in relation to the recommendations of the Dainton Committee and the proposals in the White Paper on the British Library. (14 references) (Author/MM)

Some basic information on stimulating the arts in the community, and how to go about it, is presented. (Author)

Suggests materials and services Australian libraries should provide for the assistance of immigrants with limited English skills. (HTH)

Describes a special reference service that supports administrative, planning, management, and technical levels of an organization operating within the research and development and major systems acquisition environment. More than 15 references are cited. (Author/FM)

Discusses 10 ways state libraries can help combat illiteracy: as planner, initiator/catalyst, trainer, coordinator, resource back-up, demonstrator, disseminator/publicizer, funder, supporter of good public education, and consultant. (Author/LLS)

Addresses challenges posed to libraries by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), specifically related to the doctrine of first sale. Discusses the role of libraries as copyright consumers; recommendations of the Copyright Office; user rights; the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act; and license agreements. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the role of the prison library and the appropriateness of applying the public library model in prisons. Problems with staffing in prison libraries and deficiencies caused by a lack of statewide coordination are cited. Financial support, security, literacy programs, innovative services, and social responsibility are also considered. (25…

Discusses the importance of public library access to electronic networks such as the Internet and the National Education and Research Network (NREN). Topics addressed include the information role of the public library, public library contributions to networked information, connecting to the NREN, training, costs, and integrating public libraries…