Compares LISA (Library and Information Science Abstracts) on SilverPlatter's CD-ROM with its replacement version, Bowker-Saur's LISA Plus. Features reviewed include entry to the databases; use of Boolean search facilities; indexes and browsing; displaying and printing records; subsidiary functions; on-screen help; and interfaces. (Contains eight…

In response to the changing information environment within African educational institutions, this article studies the need for strategic planning in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University of Botswana. Highlights include an assessment of the department's past, current, and future strategic plans, and outlines…

Includes two reports: a report of the results of a survey of state library association executive officers that examined the practices and priorities given reference activities at state conferences; and an annotated bibliography of 100 books, articles, and dissertations published between 1980 and 1990 that discuss librarianship in Ghana. (12…

Describes the changes that have taken place in librarianship in the former Soviet Union. The discussion covers the advantages and disadvantages of centralized planning, the reorganization of library systems in Russia and the Ukraine, the effects of democratization on organization and librarian attitudes, and the remnants of Russification in…

This bibliography lists more than 500 items published or indexed between October 1991 and September 1992. Documents about information policy, publications, and resources at the federal, foreign, international, and intergovernmental levels are included. Archives, state and local publications and resources, technology and automation, intellectual…

Attitudes toward women as managers (WMs) in the library and information science (LIS) field were studied through a literature review and survey of 665 graduate students enrolled in 15 LIS universities. Traditional attitudes have caused underrepresentation of WMs. Compared to others, younger students were more willing to accept WMs. (SLD)

Compares research productivity patterns in library science with those in other fields and explains why such factors as intellectual traits, educational experience, institutional support, and available time do not account for variations in scholarly output. Suggestions for different approaches for future research are given. (54 references) (LRW)

Examines whether search engine design shows a pattern of interdisciplinarity focusing on two disciplines: computer science and library/information science. A citation analysis measured levels of interdisciplinary research and publishing in search engine design and development. Results show a higher level of interdisciplinarity among library and…

This column presents views of professionals in the library and information studies (LIS) field and assess the state of LIS research. Questions are posed to researchers and practitioners in various LIS fields, asking them to address where they think the research front is. Six respondents focus their discussions on library and information center…

Professional associations in the library/information science field are viewed from the perspective of the value they bring to the field. Research and professional development are reviewed in this context based on the efforts of ALA (American Library Association), ALISE (Association for Library & Information Science Education), ASIS (American…

"Confronting Hypertext" is a collaborative project designed to investigate learning outcomes using hypertext-based instruction delivered via the Internet. This article describes the project and suggests ways to map student reactions (commitment to books, distrust of online information, confusion) in different professional programs,…

Describes the ideal environment in school libraries for retaining professionals who combine the best tasks and skills from library science and technology. Institutions should have: a desire for change; ample support staff; staff development opportunities; high priority on people skills; and high expectations of staff and leaders. (AEF)

Sixty-one library and information science (LIS) teachers, identified as "superior," speak in behavioral terms about the way they plan, teach, and deal with students. Then six veteran observers of LIS teaching participate in a listserv discussion and reveal their views about superior LIS teaching, remediation for poor teachers, and adult learner…

Reviews the contributions to cataloging that have recently appeared in the print literature, as well as working documents publicly available on the Web developed by those responsible for creation of cataloging rules. Topics include: theory; revising AACR; summary of proposed changes; metadata; education of catalogers and cataloging staff; subject…

Discusses the importance of research to the school-library media specialist. Topics include levels of knowledge that help with informed decision-making; ways to overcome the gap between research and practice, including writing for scholarly journals; the need for publishing research from practitioners; and development of a research agenda for the…