This paper clarifies the history of the proposal, and comments on some of the issues involved in the merger of the Reference Services Division (RSD) and the Adult Services Division (ASD) of the American Library Association. (MF)

Traces the need for, and the development of, the International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) Program and reviews the status of the different ISBDs. Early criticisms of ISBD, its final acceptance, and benefits it has brought are discussed. An 11-item reference list is attached. (Author/JL)

Argues for changes within the library community to better serve the information needs of the ethnic community. (EF)

Since 1945 many library developments have taken place in the Pacific Islands. The greatest strides have been made in Fiji and Papua New Guinea, which have benefited from the investment placed in educating and training librarians. The lack of trained personnel, however, still remains as an obstacle to library development. (Author/LLS)

A brief history of library associations followed by discussions of association publishing programs, personnel, standards, support of legislation, international relations, and stands on intellectual freedom. (LS)

In-depth interviews with nine individuals identified by a survey of American Library Association members as leaders in the public library field indicated that six traits are important in making a library leader: vision; a commitment to public libraries; courage and risk taking; openness to others; political savvy; and professional involvement.…

Examines 18 library publishers' sales catalogs and sales profiles for 300 titles available from the American Library Association (ALA) in order to describe the nature of library literature. Lists of ALA best sellers for 1986-87 and pre-1986-87 are appended. (9 references) (MES)

Discusses the need for ethical guidelines for library administrators. Five basic ethical principles that could underlie the development of such guidelines and examples of how these principles might apply in a library setting are suggested: (1) respect autonomy; (2) do no harm; (3) benefit others; (4) be just; and (5) be faithful. (27 references)…

Discusses the growth of gay literature and gay consciousness as well as gay archives and gay biography. Describes historical and current literature about gays in libraries; and considers the role of the American Library Association, including the formation of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Task Force. (LRW)

The author of this article shares her opinions and feelings on attending the American Library Association (ALA) Conference. She admits that she hates going to the exhibits. In this article, the author shares a list of hints to make exhibit time more productive.

Tom Rink may be the only librarian who is also a police officer. After years of the Tulsa police force, he was ready for a change. When a career exploration course showed he was ideally suited to be a librarian, he was amused. The son of two librarians, he had never even considered it. He did enjoy researching, writing, and exploring all kinds of…

A five year plan for continuing education for members of the Science-Technology Division of the Special Libraries Association is considered. (Author)

The responsibilities of women in French libraries and professional associations are compared with those of men. Ten data tables are included. (Author/PF)