Examines the theory of a postindustrial society and its significance for librarians, with specific reference to Daniel Bell's "The Coming of Post-Industrial Society." Two areas of prime importance are the political environment characteristic of the postindustrial society, and the knowledge base of librarianship. (JPF)

Books are discussed as the only adequate in-depth means of communication with other minds which ignores the limitations of time and space. (Author/JAB)

Believes librarians should cut themselves loose from the goals of school and set up alternative learning networks. (Editor)

A dozen ideas for developing a school media center. (DD)

Libraries could benefit from the businesslike approach of an entrepreneur. Characteristics of entrepreneurial behavior of value to libraries include: moderate risk-taking as a function of skill, not chance; energetic instrumental activity; insistence upon individual responsibility; knowledge of results of decisions; anticipation of future…

Intended to introduce librarians to social science concepts relevant to the future of librarianship, this essay explores Birdsall's thesis that librarians belong to a special class of professions that share knowledge with their clients, and that the problems of these professions are political as well as social and economic. (EM)

Reviews the evolution of libraries from their 19th century foundations in bibliography into institutions providing information per se. A major advance in direct information provision, the Electronic Information Delivery Online System (EIDOS), which is under development by OCLC, is described and future prospects for librarianship are suggested. (10…

Presents standards for reference services developed by the Suburban Library System (Illinois) and discusses the effects of the standards on youth services. Standards for a written reference plan, reference staff, reference sources, and evaluation are included. (11 references) (MES)

Examines the changing roles of libraries and librarians in the information age, emphasizing the impact of technology. It is suggested that librarians should assert themselves as providers of information in a human context. Nine references are listed. (MES)

Discusses the role of the librarian in child abuse prevention, including the identification of high risk situations, provision of appropriate literature and support group information, and acting as a role model. An annotated bibliography of books for children and young adults in families at risk is provided. (8 references) (CLB)

Focuses on role of library and agencies charged with provision of information in an environment of technological change. Predictions concerning aspects of the emerging information society (computer literacy, home computers), the death of libraries, and effects of a paperless society on libraries in developing countries are noted. Footnotes are…

This digest argues that free, public libraries foster and fortify democracy and democratic citizenship. Because libraries offer services and materials representing many points of view, they allow citizens to fulfill their civic and personal responsibilities and to exercise their liberties. Particularly for former communist countries, libraries can…

This paper addresses the library collection development of spatial information in cartographic format. Highlights include: the impermanent nature of maps; changes in spatial information creation, storage, processing, and management resulting from developments in computer-based information technology; steps required to download the digital version…

This paper discusses the creation and evolution of "Canadiana," the national bibliography of Canada. Highlights include: (1) the need for national bibliographic services; (2) the comprehensive scope of Canada's national bibliography, which includes works about Canada and foreign-published items written by Canadians in addition to titles…

The author explores the question, Would children learn to read as early as they learn to talk if we let them?'' (Author/SJ)