Argues that the traditional division of public and technical services in academic libraries and the corresponding designation of librarians according to function are being challenged by technological change and budget restraints. It is suggested that new systems of collegial management and subject specialization may be the wave of the future.…

Traces the development of the National Library of Canada, focusing on the significance of this history in the context of national development. Future issues facing the library are identified, and the inherent ambiguity of recognizing international standards while protecting a specific national heritage is discussed. (9 references) (Author/CLB)

Explores the social impacts of technological change on the library and the library profession as social institutions, the library as an organization, and librarians as professionals. The effects of automation on the library's role in providing public access to information, library management, professional status, and the work environment are also…

Reviews the role of library networks in improved access to resources, increased productivity, and cost effectiveness. The impact of electronic information on these functions is discussed, and strategies for effectively networking electronic information are presented. (1 reference) (CLB)

This essay on the future of reference librarianship addresses elements necessary to guarantee continued vitality of the profession. Discussion covers person-to-person contacts with library users, recreational functions of library, fees and "information stamps," organizational structure of library, information consulting, project-team…

Catholic University educators stress the need for quality education and accountability. "Compassionate excellence" can be achieved by the library's self-evaluation, meeting needs of users in a constantly changing environment, promotion of a service rather than a place, and becoming involved in the academic planning of an institution.…

The editors of School Library Media Activities Monthly discuss the debate between advocates of a strong instructional development or design role for library media specialists and advocates of strong library media skills programs. They suggest that well-planned and interesting lessons can incorporate both library media and classroom objectives. (EM)

Examines methodologies underlying studies which measure the information economy and considers their applicability and limitations for analyzing policy issues concerning libraries and library networks. Two studies provide major focus for discussion: Porat's "The Information Economy: Definition and Measurement" and Machlup's…

On the eve of a major change in communications media (from printing to widespread electronic publishing), this article reexamines and projects into future the library's fundamental role as a social institution. Discussion covers three environmental trends, library as an institution, and public policy and economic choices. Twenty references are…

Uses general developmental framework to explain relationship of play, toys, and development of young children, and to support toy lending in libraries. An evaluative approach for library toy selection which is based on meeting children's psychological needs is suggested together with 11 titles to aid librarians in establishing toy-lending…

Analyzes traditional roles and services of academic libraries, summarizes new communication links, and suggests major policy areas to be considered by university officers: centralized financial and technological planning, integration of information services with academic programs, access to scholarly resources, electronic publishing, copyright and…

Discussion of the need for library adult education as a component of public library reference services highlights trends (increase in adult population, technological changes) and their implications (continuing education for librarians), goals of library adult education, importance of instructional objectives, and evaluation. References and a…

Discussion of techniques of response to the reference query from public librarian's point-of-view covers patron's need-motivation; structuring library instruction program (teaching skills related to encyclopedia use, library instruction on special subjects-health); and assisting patron in gathering materials on-site and through use of…

Argues that in an age of information overload, the public library role is to promote books and reading and warns that public libraries that focus on technologies and information services will become cogs in the engine of material progress rather than fulfilling their role as sources of knowledge. (19 references) (EJS)

Proposes a formal thesis program to be conducted by a librarian in an academic library on a one-to-one basis. Discussion covers the graduate student/thesis advisor relationship; students' difficulties; a three-way partnership involving the student, the advisor, and the librarian; and eight basic features of the program. (8 references) (EJS)