Presents a conceptual framework for digital library development and discusses how to move from isolated digital collections to interoperable digital libraries. Topics include a history of digital libraries; user-centered architecture; stages of technological development; standards, including metadata; and best practices. (Author/LRW)

Presents results of a study undertaken for the state library of Maryland to develop a process for the development of a Maryland Digital Public Library. Highlights include planning; management; implementation requirements; networked environments; technical infrastructure issues; collection development; standards; information content; information…

Reviews 18 articles on Israeli libraries published between 1978 and 1995. Highlights concerns about the lack of a clear national role for the Jewish National and University Library, the slowness of libraries to adopt MARC standards, a weak national policy on public libraries, slow development of school libraries, and the limited professional…

Discusses cooperative library development in Europe and the concept of national library policies as the result of library programs in the European Community. Topics addressed include library trends; international standards; information technology; differences in library services throughout Europe; lending and rental rights; and data protection for…

Describes characteristics of core competencies. Examines the competencies a librarian should possess. Discusses types of competence and reviews advantages of developing and improving core competencies. Looks at core competencies in terms of the major service areas of public libraries. Presents several steps for building core competencies.…

Provides an overview of school library development in Great Britain and the United States and discusses five factors that have facilitated or retarded school library development in each country: standards, staffing and certification, government support, rationale for school libraries, and professional organizations. (Author/LRW)

Discusses a brief history of the role of women in developing school library media programs; and includes the relationship of the American Library Association and the National Education Association. (AEF)

Explores what the library profession can learn from indigenous peoples. Highlights include cooperation, decision making, improving management, using workplace stories to provide reinforcement for success, generosity in service principles, patience, developing information networks, and diversity. (AEF)

Following a background on the development of Library Industry Competency Standards within Australia and the impact of these standards, this paper focuses on issues raised, opportunities for integration, and future challenges. Concludes that through staff participation and simplicity of implementation the standards have the potential to add to…

Describes the historical background of the National Library of Sri Lanka; explains the National Library Services Board; outlines the functions of the National Library; discusses library standards for school and public libraries; describes library development projects at local levels; and considers the public library's role in the government's…

Describes the development of library media centers, programs, and staff at the Medford School District (Oregon). Information from the standards and research used to define roles and responsibilities is summarized, and relevant Oregon state educational organizations are listed. Some of the results of the district's well-defined library programs and…

Examines new guidelines for library media programs developed by the American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology. Discusses future developments, mission statements, the relationship of information use to standards, the dimensions of library services, and the role of the library media…

Examines the role of school libraries in Sierra Leone's (Africa) educational system and the problems affecting their development. Discusses the need for materials to support teaching activities; sociological factors; teachers' and students' information needs; current trends and changes; rural areas with no school libraries; and lack of standards,…

Describes the collection assessment methodology presented in the Research Libraries Group's "Conspectus," and assesses the usefulness of this instrument both in general, and as applied to an attempt to coordinate collection development at the consortium level. (eight references) (CLB)

Discusses collection development policy as means to express and systematize guidelines for collection building that fulfill three basic functions: the referential, the generative, the rhetorical. Division of policy into subject categories, and use of "collection levels" to rank the collection and collecting effort for each subject are…