Describes the roles and responsibilities of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in research universities and presents five models of the position. Future trends and needs for management of converging information technologies are then discussed with attention to implications for libraries. Qualifications of the CIO and the future outlook of the…

This fourth lesson in a continuing education course on legal issues affecting libraries and librarians discusses the library's rights and legal responsibilities in the areas of censorship and intellectual freedom, the Freedom of Information Act and patron privacy, problem patrons, and ethical considerations of library services. (14 references)…

Discussion of the pivotal role of the library in computer integration at Illinois State University (ISU) includes (1) a profile of ISU; (2) an overview of computer planning and implementation at ISU; (3) the role of the library in enhancing computer literacy; (4) issues faced by the library; and (5) future projections. (2 references) (MES)

Examination of the library of tomorrow speculates about the impact of changes in the functions of government, technology, demographics, lifestyle, and values on the role of the library. A facility for the contemporary public library is described that can both accommodate traditional services and respond to changes in the library's role. (17…

Digital technologies should be considered a method of preservation for library materials. Current conservation strategies of restoration, deacidification, and microfilming are expensive, and they limit access. Digitization offers improved access while preserving materials and reflects a change in the library role from depository of printed…

There is opportunity for service and profit to imaginative libraries organizing to provide new forms of knowledge. Librarians as entrepreneurs must learn venture management and finance. Available assistance includes growing entrepreneural understanding in large institutions; family and friends; private wealth-seeking investment; new business…

This essay addresses the ambiguity and confusion arising out of two values that have been embodied in American public library ideology since at least the last quarter of the nineteenth century: concept of the public library as community institution; the public library's emphasis on service to the individual. (27 references) (EJS)

Discussion of way in which books have functioned within framework of American librarianship highlights acquisition of books (libraries attempting to fill needs of everyone in geographical area, libraries devoted to filling needs of self-selected part of society, libraries devoted to collecting particular subject), and role of private collector of…

Discussion of librarianship as practiced in rural areas of United States highlights advantages of rural environment which affect role of the library, i.e., interpersonal relationships, need for creative modes of information service, potential to provide insulation against personal anonymity, potential for impacting community, opportunity to…

Discussion of choices posed by the current microtechnology revolution notes librarians' reluctance to utilize new technologies, ability of libraries to deal with success and fund new services, strategic decision facing libraries and professionals concerning essential "business" of libraries, new microcomputer portables and more powerful…

Discusses the introduction of computers and appropriate software (computer-assisted instruction, computer games, open-ended programs) into the public library children's room. Computer literacy as a public library goal, specific objectives of a program at Oakville Public Library (Ontario), and library role in the information age are highlighted.…

This essay characterizes role of the librarian as using a variety of skills (intellectual, human and communication, technical) to deal with recorded information by evaluating, acquiring, preserving, sorting and ordering, and making it available. Library management, training, and preservation of library materials are highlighted. Six references are…

Examines the role which libraries and librarians can play in making the teaching and learning of French as a second language more effective in West African secondary schools and explains why there should be close co-operation between teachers of French and librarians. (Author)

This paper discusses bibliographic control of knowledge resources on the World Wide Web. The first section sets the context of the inquiry. The second section covers the following topics related to metadata: (1) definitions of metadata, including metadata as tags and as descriptors; (2) metadata on the Web, including general metadata systems,…

This paper looks at three avenues of exploration related to bibliographic records that the World Wide Web environment invites--sorting out the level of control for Web material, reevaluating aspects of descriptive content requirements for these materials, and experimenting with new format structures. Part I discusses extending MARC for Web…