Provides an introduction to the program, as well as the papers presented at the 39th conference of the Graduate Library School, April 10-11, 1978, which are collected in this issue. The evolutionary development and functions of the public library within an atmosphere of societal change are also briefly discussed. (CWM)

Theoretical foundations are examined and shown to be faulty. The term "adequate" cannot meaningfully be applied to a university library collection because the library's contribution to education is not measurable. Practical measurements such as expenditure per student, quantity standards, and collection growth rates are considered. (Author/JAB)

Since 1910 academic libraries have been essential resources to the colleges and universities they serve. These libraries have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to adapt to an everchanging environment. It may be time now for academic libraries to define and shape the environment as well as adapt and respond to it. (Author)

Reports on the excellent public library system of Barbados. (PF)

The primary role of the prison library should be to promote the prisoners' right to read, rather than being committed to providing services and materials to support rehabilitation programs of the prison. (JPF)

This study examined how news library staff and editorial staff at a large metropolitan daily newspaper perceive the library's contribution to newsmaking. Data gathered by surveys and interviews show that the library plays a significant but unacknowledged role in news production. (3 references) (MES)

Chronicles rise of American trade publishing industry from end of Civil War to present. Topics covered include prominent publishers, publishing philosophy, careers in publishing, pre-World War I developments, librarianship and library education, new publishers, assertion of rights by authors, development of American economy, and impact of…

This theme issue contains the following articles on libraries as agencies of culture: (1) "American Libraries and Agencies of Culture" (Thomas Augst); (2) "The Sound of the Civic: Reading Noise at the New York Public Library" (Ari Kelman); (3) "High Culture, Low Culture: The Singular Duality of the Library of Congress" (Elizabeth Jane Aikin); (4)…

This article discusses the functions and activities of libraries attached to adult education institutions, universities, colleges of education, etc. and of public libraries in the context of adult education. (10 references) (Author)

The world has changed rapidly and violently since the author went to his first library. But, he still believes in the mystery and magic of language, the power of the printed word, and in the library as a vital literary center and sanctuary as well as a headquarters of social and community activity. (Author/SJ)

The potential of library services in various kinds of institutions was not widely recognized in 1952. During the last two decades great changes have occurred both in philosophy and attitudes toward institutional library service and in their organization and operation. (54 references) (SJ)

An elementary school librarian shows why human beings of all ages experience intellectual growth most effectively through learner-centered modes of study. (Author)

As the university or research library grows it loses sights of any objective for existence except existence itself. In the end it collects as much as it can and selects little or nothing. (Author/MM)

Public libraries can no longer be all things to all people," they need to set one or two major goals to serve one or two major sectors and give everything they have to this effort. (7 references) (Author/NH)