Two articles discuss Chinese libraries and materials: one reviews the role of bibliographic utilities in the bibliographic control of Chinese language materials in U.S. libraries, and one examines characteristics of administration in academic libraries in China from both historical perspective and current practice. (64 references) (LRW)

Discussion of the need for management training for librarians focuses on the New Jersey Library Leadership Institute, which was developed to provide such training for early career professional librarians working in New Jersey. Skills training, a mentoring component, and a practicum are described; and evaluation results are discussed. (LRW)

Discusses possible risks to workers using visual display terminals (VDTs), standards relating to VDTs, the provisions of the European Community Directive concerning minimum health and safety standards, how the standards are being interpreted in the United Kingdom, and implications for libraries. A workplace assessment questionnaire is appended.…

Shows how libraries can save money and energy with energy-efficient technologies, improving maintenance, and encouraging staff efforts to conserve energy. Specific techniques such as life-cycle cost analysis and energy audits focusing on lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and water efficiency are described. Funding options and…

Reports on an analysis of job announcements for library and information professionals in research institutions revealing a trend toward hiring subject specialists and administrative and technical professionals without masters degrees in librarianship. Findings reveal variety in positions and professionals hired and change in stated employment…

Describes organizational changes made at the Clemson University Libraries. Highlights include the creation of a task force that consulted library personnel, faculty, support staff, and students; changes in the administrative structure; greater employee involvement; changes in the decision-making process; and increased cooperation and…

Discusses the role of paraprofessionals in secondary school libraries and suggests guidelines for the selection process. Highlights include a sample job description for a library media assistant that includes expectations and responsibilities; the need for adequate training; providing a variety of assignments; and establishing consistent policies.…

Selectively reviews the serials literature published in 1992. Issues discussed include cataloging and specifications; networked information and electronic publishing; CD-ROM serials; collection development; serials pricing; serials management; and conference reports. (Contains 122 references.) (LRW)

Presents data from 1971 to 1990 to show that the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) standard that the library's appropriation shall be 6% of total institution budget has never been realized. Suggested reasons (e.g., increasing budgets for administration, research, and student services) are discussed, and possible solutions are…

Explains the organizational and professional concept of a "compleat librarian" that has been developed at the Rider College (New Jersey) Library. Highlights include a nonhierarchical organizational structure; a combination of traditional public and technical services responsibilities; a lack of supervisory duties; collegiality and…

Provides an overview of the 1990 literature that deals with acquisitions. Highlights include automation; management and organization; vendors and vendor interaction, including serials pricing (the largest portion of the literature); education for acquisitions; software acquisition; publishing; out-of-print and replacements; gifts and exchanges;…

Examines the promotional, training, legislative, research and publication, and cooperation activities of the Swaziland Library Association (SWALA). Makes recommendations including: membership-needs surveys; a strategic plan prioritizing legislation and training; administrative, leadership and communication improvements; and an increase in…

To give students a direct voice in library user policy and the library a point of contact with the student body, the Evans Libraries at Texas A&M University formed a Student Advisory Committee. The committee meetings provide a forum for student representatives, library administrators, and student liaisons to discuss concerns and proposed…

Discusses the importance of library systems administrators addressing the Year 2000 problem in their libraries. Reviews Web-based resources that deal with understanding the problem, offer vendor statements about their products, and discuss how some libraries are preparing for the Year 2000 problem. (AEF)

Answers some of the more common objectives and addresses critical issues raised in over 250 responses from readers of the author's article, "Building the Largest Library: Driving into the Future" (Searcher, March 1999). Responses are discussed under four main subject areas: the catalog, collection development, interlibrary loan, and library…