Discusses four reasons for the climate of change currently seen in library education: (1) new technology, (2) worsening financial conditions in higher education, (3) new library career options in industry, and (4) the desire of some to free themselves from the negative sterotype associated with the name librarian. (LLS)

Reviews problems for users created by the complexities of past practices for filing catalog cards, and describes some features of the new, more user-oriented ALA filing rules. (LLS)

Discusses problems and costs involved in the use of the Library of Congress List of Subject Headings (LCSH) and speculates on how these problems can be minimized once the traditional card catalog is replaced with computer technology. (LLS)

The division of library services into technical service and public service is outmoded; a centralized processing unit and/or the redevelopment of professional librarianship are offered as more effective alternatives. (MBR)

Discusses rare books in library collections and problems that are encountered with theft and/or preservation. Highlights include the effects of online auctions on the Internet; costs of replacing lost materials; and libraries that keep valuable books in the circulating collection, stamping them and subjecting them to use that devalues them. (LRW)

This essay on library terminology and jargon highlights the names of files encountered in one library, expressions used during presentations at the most recent American Library Association Annual Conference, job titles, journal abstracts, and other genera of double-talk that can profitably be used to reduce comprehension. Twelve references are…

The history of the Congress for Change, a professional librarian's group favoring aggressive library response to societal problems, is highlighted, and its past and present objectives are reviewed. (MBR)

Argues that research is needed into the shifting needs of library education brought to light by delegates at the White House Conference on Library and Information Services and by the Conant Report. (LLS)

Examines the potential benefits and problems for libraries using a fully automated short record circulation system, one that consists of a number designating the item, enough bibliographic information to identify it, information on its location, and information on the borrower. (FM)

Discusses the history of the reference reform movement that began with an article that described what was wrong with reference. Highlights include the use of technology; remote access; tiered service; appointment-based reference service; alternative staffing patterns; and providing adequate resources to enhance reference service. (LRW)

The trend toward use of online bibliographic systems in libraries sets the stage for the discussion of standardized entry format and authority control in information input if maximum usefulness now and in the future is to be achieved. (MBR)

In 1997, the American Medical Association (AMA) agreed to endorse untested home health care products of Sunbeam Corporation in exchange for royalties and the opportunity to include informative materials in the products. This article compares the AMA and the American Library Association (ALA) and presents the AMA experience as a cautionary tale for…

Reviews and compares three types of microfilm--silver halide, diazo, and vesicular. Storage and handing requirements for permanent collections are discussed, and some suggestions are offered to solve problems caused by the proliferation of nonsilver films in libraries. (MBR)

This essay on problems associated with library reference service and personnel discusses the pros and cons of four approaches designed to improve staff utilization and quality of performance--hiring additional staff, automation, alternative staffing arrangements, and planning and rearrangement of priorities. Fourteen sources are given. (EJS)

Discusses problems that new information technologies have created for intellectual property concerns. Digital sampling devices used in music are described, downloading from large databases is discussed, the problems with derivative works are considered, outdated copyright laws are discussed, and ways that librarians can help protect intellectual…