Describes the work of itinerant librarians in the United States who organized library collections across the country from 1887-1915. Positive results included the widespread adoption of standard classification and cataloging schemes and the training of local librarians. However, low salaries and the practice of employing untrained people were also…

In studying the history of the American press, little attention has been given to printing networks and the apprenticeship system, factors which permitted the press not only to survive but to grow. Essential to press growth was the apprenticeship system, vocational education which replenished and augmented the craft's practitioners. Apprentices…

England has failed to create a stratum of technical school education in the 20th century. It is increasingly being recognized that educational defects have contributed to England's relative decline and laggard economic performance compared with European competitors. Although junior technical schools were founded in the early 1900s and secondary…

Details the history of the San Francisco Mechanics' Institute, discussing the origins of mechanics' institutes and of early San Francisco and focusing on the policy of social control, the contributions of president Andrew Hallidie, and the importance of such program components as the lending and reference library, exhibitions, public lectures,…

The people of the United States are greatly interested in the German systems of industrial and trade education. There is a large demand for information in regard to the general policies of German cities and States in regard to such education, and also for information in regard to schools for special trades. To meet this demand, this bulletin…

The history of vocational education in Canada is traced, examining prejudices against it and constitutional issues that have inhibited its development. To solve its labor problems, Canada requires a national system of vocational education that ensures that young people see it as challenging and worthwhile. (SLD)

Traces the historical development of technical literacy through the establishment of technical institutes in the United States. Relates the development of technical learning to the emerging industrial economy. Explains that instruction required literacy and fundamental mathematical skills. Notes scientific literacy was popularized by magazines…

Pincus argues that vocational education has been developed in response to the rising educational aspirations of the working class. He claims that vocational training provides a poor payoff under the present economic system, and that the promotion of vocational programs raises unrealistic expectations in students. (Author/SK)

On every hand one hears youth asking: "Where can we find work?" Many young people of this generation have never had a steady job, have never experienced the pleasure that comes from contributing their share toward satisfying human needs. Some of them have spent several years in preparing themselves for definite kinds of work, but cannot now find…

This booklet recounts the history of apprenticeship and describes its practice in the United States today. The booklet is organized in five sections. The first section outlines the early days of apprenticeship, telling how the system of indenture was imported from Europe, giving various examples of apprenticeship under that system, and describing…

This book provides a detailed analysis of the development of education and training systems in Asia and the relationship with the process of economic growth. Focus is on four impoverished agrarian economies--Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan--that were transformed in little more than a generation into East Asian "tigers":…

This paper examines trends in occupational mismatch in the metal, building, vehicle, and electrical trades and questions whether the process of award restructuring that began in the late 1980s has created incentives for unskilled blue collar workers to pursue skill-based career paths in the trades. Chapter 1 discusses the paper's aim and history…