This paper discusses research areas and methods related to library history. The first section outlines research areas, including activities such as services to children in public libraries, mobile libraries, cataloging rules and practice, classification rules and practices, development of bibliographies, organization models, literature offered to…

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…

This paper traces the roots of the current library preservation movement and its evolution during the second half of the 20th century. It also looks at some of the contemporary shifts in thinking about preservation and changes in practice that are being explored by libraries. Finally the paper draws some conclusions as to the scope of programs in…

Based on an analysis of the direction of library development and changes in librarians' social functions, this paper presents some key measures in the reform of library and information science education. The first section discusses the developing direction of the library cause under the network environment. The second section covers librarians'…

This paper provides background on The National Library of Estonia (NLE), discusses a fellowship project for developing the National Library, and presents the impressions of the author, an Estonian American, who traveled to Estonia. The NLE looks to the West for automation, information, and institutional modeling. The NLE is Estonia's equivalent of…

This paper discusses client service issues to be considered when transitioning to a virtual library situation. Themes related to the transitional nature of society in the knowledge era are presented, including: paradox and a contradictory nature; blurring of boundaries; networks, systems, and holistic thinking; process/not product, becoming/not…

In order to be effective in the coming millennium, libraries will need to measure their performance rigorously against the expectations and real needs of their customers. The library of the future will need to be a customer sensitive, knowledge creating, agile enterprise. It must provide value to every customer, where value is the customer's…

This paper discusses information gateways and equal access to information. Highlights include: the development of the physical infrastructure of libraries; globalization as it relates to the use of software; Internet controls such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act; the psycho-social component of libraries; computer literacy and…

This paper looks at the skills and competency base of the school librarian. The paper contends that these attributes are necessary if the school library is to be in a position to encourage the development of discovery and personal growth for both pupils and staff. The paper concentrates on the role of the school librarian working with teaching…

This paper draws on the experiences of the author during the past 15 years of working primarily with school, college, university and health librarians, but with occasional forays into the public and special library domains. It is written by an educationalist and teacher trainer with an interest in library development; someone who has never run a…

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Social Responsibilities Discussion Group was officially established in December 1997 to address the role of libraries in society. The group is initially concentrating on the following themes: equality of access to library collections and facilities; the growing gap…

This address focuses on technological change, the Information Age, and the relevance of libraries. Highlights include: creating a shared vision; adding value to information services; sharing organizational values; forging strategic alliances with vendors and suppliers; reallocating resources; and responding to change with flexibility. The speech…

Discusses preservation issues for library collection development staff including the library mission, types of materials, preventive preservation measures, active preservation measures, preservation concerns in acquisitions decisions, gaining the support of administration for a preservation program, options for implementing a preservation program,…

This paper discusses some of the factors that lead to the success of a health information library, including: (1) the mission statement; (2) practical matters such as location, equipment, furniture, and layout; (3) considerations in writing the procedure and policy manual; (4) confidentiality; (5) staff and volunteer training; (6) sources of…

This article is a condensed version of a presentation from the 1991 Public Library Association (PLA) conference that addressed the need for appropriate responses by libraries to changing ethnic and racial populations. Topics discussed include racism, cultural competence in the library profession, adjusting library services, effective leadership,…