Examines in detail the aims, forms, and methods of USSR library services provided for children, including information and bibliographical assistance, as well as the main areas of research being conducted in this field by Soviet specialists. (CWM)

Traces the development of adult learner's advisory programs in libraries, and discusses the librarian's capacity to perform the counselor's role in the contexts of societal factors, popularly-held assumptions, and professional confidence. References are provided. (FM)

Argues that a librarian's traditional roles--keeper and retriever of knowledge, readers' advisor, information specialist--are most valid in the experiential learning process. As a place that voluntarily attracts many patrons who lack higher education, the library can serve as a "broker" between them and the educational institutions.…

Examines the role of the library in contemporary society and discusses the various options available for their fiscal support in the future. The use of user fees to finance selected services--to expand some and improve others--is advocated only as a supplement to support from general tax revenue. (Author/JVP)

Analyzes two aspects of the intersection of the information superhighway and archives: cultural heritage and societywide electronic recordkeeping. Reviewed 15 World Wide Web archives sites along 5 broad dimensions. Argues that archivists should position themselves as substantive contributors to information infrastructure discussions. (PEN)

Offers suggestions for booktalk strategies so librarians can help children learn to enjoy chapter books, making the transition from beginning readers. Discusses lack of illustrations, making inferences from the dialog, building background knowledge from the back of the book, and understanding flashbacks. (LRW)

Discusses issues related to libraries filtering Internet searches. Topics include the American Library Association (ALA) stand against any form of Internet censorship, the increasing use of GUIs (graphical user interfaces), First Amendment rights, intellectual freedom, and deciding on the criteria for filtering. (LRW)

Discusses censorship in libraries, particularly relating to children's books, from the perspective of an editor. The power of words, the diversity of stories and characters, story and imagination, and the responsibility of librarians are discussed. (LRW)

This selected bibliography contains 63 publications and 21 Web sites that can help librarians learn more about how they can use the metaphor of the information commons to advocate for the public's information assets. (MES)

Eight articles deal with library networking issues: (1) the library role; (2) development of a real computer network; (3) attitudes toward networks; (4) the emergence of local systems; (5) the Western Library Network; (6) the Cooperative Library Agency for Systems and Services; (7) the future of OCLC; and (8) building a unified information…

Reviews the recent American Library Association publication, "Planning and Role Setting for Public Libraries: A Manual of Options and Procedures," noting omissions in its approach. Several reasons for including the larger library community in the planning process are discussed. (MES)

Discusses the importance of the role of librarians in the educational process. The value-added concept is applied to librarians, and requirements in terms of accreditation for school librarians and federal standards for school libraries and librarians are advocated. (MES)

Reviews a study by the RAND Corporation on the changing ethnic nature of California which focused on the impact for public library services of having the majority of the population composed of what once were racial and ethnic minorities. The report is criticized for the narrowness of the questions addressed, softness of data, and simplicity of…

Suggests that the virtual library is an impossibility and the ideal of an all-encompassing solution is unrealistic. Current roles of libraries as places for personal enrichment and places to learn more about things will merge with the new technologies to make the library a constantly evolving institution. (JKP)

Suggests ways to use library buildings and space to attract users and to showcase collections and services. Ideas for a marketing strategy using windows, promenades and walkways, the entrance of lobby, and the interior are offered. Increasing use by making libraries a place for fun and entertainment is also recommended. (MES)