Briefly summarizes topics discussed at the annual conference of the Canadian Library Association, including the goals and objectives of the organization, the findings of a commission which examined the decision making processes of the association, and the establishment of a task force to review association publications. (CLB)

Likening the relationship of the ALA and its professional divisions to that of the sun and its planets, this editorial explores the organizational characteristics and stability of the present system and solicits opinions. (RAA)

This essay addresses the ambiguity and confusion arising out of two values that have been embodied in American public library ideology since at least the last quarter of the nineteenth century: concept of the public library as community institution; the public library's emphasis on service to the individual. (27 references) (EJS)

Librarians need to switch their identity from operating libraries to providing information services to constituencies of concern. Libraries need to be transformed through the discovery of new meaning, relevancy, and purpose. The process of the White House Conference is a pilot laboratory of a transformation process. (Author/SW)

After operating an outsourced library onsite for six years, the computer company Sun Microsystems converted the eight outsourced workers into full-time, regular staff. The Sun library manager demonstrates the advantages of outsourcing: core competencies, cost savings, and value added. (AEF)

This historical overview of the California Library Authority for Systems and Services (CLASS--recently renamed Cooperative Library Agency for Systems and Services) highlights its origins, purposes, governance, committees, programs, products, organization and planning, inclusion of out-of-state libraries, long range plan, issues, a management study…

Discussion of the management of not-for-profit corporations which provide computerized library networks highlights marketing, nonprofit constraints, multiple goals, consumer demands, professional commitment, external influences, motivation and control, dependence on charisma, management and altruism, hybrid organizations, and rational management.…

Addresses issues which bear on the question of whether the membership or the leadership best decides appropriate goals for ALA activities. ALA's attempt to set organizational goals democratically is examined for differences and similarities between its leaders and members. (RAA)

Utilization of telecommunications and computer technology to increase access to information is identified as a primary goal for public libraries. To further service in the future, libraries should consider database services, online access to library resources, online community conferencing, community databases, network resource sharing,…

Briefly reviews the history of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), outlines the contrasts between IFLA and the American Library Association, describes the social environment within which IFLA conference activities are carried out, and discusses the major activities and organizational missions of IFLA. (JL)

A successful director must delegate authority and manage available resources to allow time for legal affairs, lobbying, public speaking, and community and institutional involvement. (RAA)

The American Library Association (ALA) 1987 Midwinter Conference was characterized by process, particularly the new planning process which threatens to drain ALA's money and leadership energy away from the substantive issues that need attention, such as the next Librarian of Congress's qualifications and services to minorities and the poor. (EM)

Discusses issues raised at the Special Libraries Association (SLA) 1992 annual conference. Topics addressed include international activities; goals for SLA; a keynote speech by Ray Kurzweil that discussed innovation and creativity; SLA board actions; candidates for upcoming elections; and the interests of academic members versus working corporate…

Reports on the first national conference of REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library Services to the Spanish Speaking. Discusses REFORMA's activist history and describes conference programs geared toward promoting cultural awareness to help libraries build relationships with Hispanic and Latino communities. Attendees shared concerns…

Examines "A Planning Process for Public Libraries," published by the Public Library Association in 1980, discussing the mission of the public library, survey research and data collection, library goals and objectives, planning strategies, budgeting, the political environment, and output measures. Twenty-six references are cited. (EJS)