What is the state of the public library today and what should it be in the future? The need for answers to these questions is the reason for this study. Societal factors affecting the public library are studied. The report examines the development of the public library in the 20-year span since the "Public Library Inquiry" (1950-70), and describes…

Difficulties specific to the Virgin Islands and the general rapid advances in technology require the rethinking of the role of libraries. Libraries and media centers should be called "information centers" to reflect the explosion of information which is outdating the traditional media. Plans are underway in the Virgin Islands to develop…

This document describes a literature search on bibliotherapy, discusses historical development and current trends in bibliotherapy, details the educational aims of bibliotherapy, and explores the part librarians should play in bibliotherapy, particularly when working with children and adolescents. Also included are a selected, annotated…

An interview in which Miss West describes the phase-elective program of McClelland High School, Little Rock, Arkansas. (PF)

Suggests ways for insuring that a corporate information center will retain its financial support, including a format for self-assessment. (PF)

Proponents of the "all-school" reading program believe that reading skills should not be taught without also teaching the content of the material being read. The librarian can make a major contribution to this approach. (Author/PF)

A brief historical review of educational development and assessment of present needs is followed by an outline of necessary considerations for future educational planning and discussion of the role of Latin American librarianship in planning for library development. An active role is prescribed for librarians, both individually and collectively.…

Introduces a series of articles reporting progress made in library services to the Spanish speaking in the past eight years, despite the undeniable discrimination that exists against the Hispanic-heritage librarian and the delivery of library and information services to this ethnic group. Each article is followed by an interview with a Hispanic…

Narrates the events leading to one Spanish-speaking community's politicalization for improvement of its library services, and poses some hard questions about equal opportunities for library services. (VT)

Psychological barriers that prevent the public from using libraries effectively and efficiently are identified. The problem of receiving too much information is also addressed, and seven steps for obtaining the right information are outlined, including determining exactly what is needed and then asking for help from a reference librarian. (LBH)

Discusses four basic aspects of data reference work: 1) How files are created as related to the main sources for acquisition of data files; 2) What publications help to identify available data files; 3) What variables appear in which data files; 4) What information about the physical medium of file storage is needed to use the file on a computer.…

As many schools move toward more "open" environments, it is possible that the roles of the media specialist and the classroom teacher are beginning to merge. (Author)

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)