Discusses the passage in the United Kingdom of the Public Libraries Act of 1850 and its reflections of social and political attitudes prevalent at the time, particularly laissez-faire and utilitarianism. Individualism, national education, and middle class concern for the poor are discussed. (60 references) (LRW)

Reviews the history of children's fiction series publishing, examines the childhood reading histories of adult readers who currently read for pleasure, and investigates the reading of series books as an essential stage in the reading development. Also discusses the need for public libraries to be aware of different patron reading levels. (contains…

Discusses the implications of factors inhibiting the advancement of research in library and information science in Nigeria, such as poor dissemination of research findings, noncollaborative research with those in other fields, academic and professional ineptitude, inadequate funding, societal indifference to research, and inefficient use of…

Examines the origins and parallel uses of the concept of "facet" in bibliographic classification theory and behavioral research. Suggests that social sciences in general were receptive to conceptual borrowing, but that library and information science as a discipline was relatively isolated. (contains 108 references) (Author/AEF)

The South African experience illustrates the developmental role that information services can play in the change process. Resource centers can empower people by providing access to information. The library and information science profession is facing challenges in formation of information policy in the postapartheid state. (SK)

Discusses briefly obstacles to offering in-depth library research instruction to undergraduates. Describes a highly successful library research skills component of a freshman composition course developed collaboratively by bibliographic instruction librarians and composition instructors. (SR)

This final installment of a four-part series on the National Library Service (NLS) examines recently implemented and future projects, with a focus on alternative formats for patrons with disabilities. Discusses LOCIS, the Library of Congress online public access catalog; MARVEL, the Library of Congress gopher; the NLS Web site; and computer disk…

Examines stereotypes of the librarian as serious barriers to rural information access, and offers strategies for improving the public image of rural libraries and of the people who keep them functioning. (Author/JKP)

Describes a library youth participation group's creation and production of a controversial play about censorship and the freedom to read. Discussion includes performance cancellations by middle schools, news coverage, book talks, videotaping, a paper chain parade, and an intellectual freedom award. (AEF)

Discusses the lack of literature relating to cultural differences and school library media programs and reviews the book "Beyond Culture" by Edward T. Hall. Highlights include the population/environment crisis, cultural literacy, the use of technology, and Marshall McLuhan's idea of the global village. (LRW)

Describes a study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, to evaluate the need for preservation of oversized pocket illustrations in geology master's theses. Factors contributing to deterioration are described, including mechanical and chemical factors; criteria for defining conditions are listed; and suggestions for preventing…

Comments on the research finding that trained support staff can relieve the teacher librarian of routine tasks, making the resource center more efficient and effective. Five doctoral dissertations are cited. (EA)

Results of a survey of nursing students and qualified nurses in the United Kingdom indicate that nurses tend not to be readers and that they consult colleagues and personal collections for information concerning patient care and for personal use. Findings show that nurses use libraries infrequently except for research and coursework. (12…

Describes two multicultural projects designed by a middle school librarian and a high school librarian in cooperation with teachers. The first project consisted of five lessons for sixth graders about Puerto Rico and its culture. The second project included units for high school students that examined family roots and the geography, culture, and…

Summarizes OCLC's linking strategy for national networks, i.e., the Internet and the National Research and Education Network (NREN). The telecommunications environment for libraries is discussed and aspects of network links are considered, including governance, performance/support, economics, and future developments. Planning strategies for…