This article analyzes the aging of academic librarians and the potential shortage of librarians to replace those who are retiring. Recent statistics indicate that the exodus of retiring librarians may not be as severe as predicted several years ago. Recent articles show potential benefits as new librarians enter the workforce in large numbers to…

The study's purpose was evaluating skills and qualities library directors receive and recommending changes to their training. The project answered 5 research questions, such as, What will the data in Section 3 of the Senior Library Director Skills and Qualities Survey reveal senior library directors in the state-wide consortium perceive are…

This study examined factors affecting the relationships of library school deans and library directors in shared academic settings, and found differences in their perceptions of the relationship and a higher position in the academic hierarchy for directors. Dates of appointment, location of the library school, and faculty status for librarians were…

Presents reactions of four professionals in library field to two-part article concerning future of academic librarianship. Topics covered include academic library administration, library education, current and future job skills and requirements, fundamental changes necessary before librarians can accept new responsibilities, and additional…

Marchant's essay and reactions to it by five library educators and librarians discuss the pros and cons of extending the MLS (Master of Library Science) program in response to requests by directors of university libraries for increased instruction in evaluation, decision-making, administration, and automation, without reduction in traditional…

Data compiled on directors of 180 United States academic and public libraries in areas of undergraduate majors, library schools attended, degrees held, first professional positions, selected characteristics of males and females, and selected characteristics of younger and older directors reveals that, in 1981, typical head librarian was a…

Describes the different levels of education and the management of various types of libraries (academic, special, public and school) in Saudi Arabia. Presents the current state of library and information science education in Saudi Arabia. Indicates constraints of librarianship as a career and suggests how to overcome them. (Author/AEF)

Program budgeting, a method founded in the systems approach, allows control, management, and planning in the library system, and avoids the more comprehensive analysis required by zero-based budgeting. By evaluation of the impacts of the work accomplished by the library staff, the budgeted amounts can be justified or adjusted in subsequent years.…

Considers probable societal changes in the United States between now and the year 2000, including cultural pluralism, an increasingly older population, increased variety in the configuration of households, changes in the workforce, globalization, and shifts in education. Changes in libraries and in library and information science education are…

Discusses the impending shortage of academic librarians as current librarians retire, based on research in Canada and the United States. Topics include experience and expertise; hiring, retention, and professional development; succession planning that includes management experience; chances for advancement into progressively responsible positions;…

Discusses attributes of library leaders that are based on a study of library leaders from academic, public, and school libraries; library school deans; and national library association executives. Four recurring characteristics are highlighted: intensity; communication and listening skills; consistency and the ability to develop trust; and…

Seven articles discuss the competencies needed by library and information science school graduates. Surveys of needed competencies are compared, a model of the information activities of a research library of the future is proposed, staffing and educational requirements are discussed, and a need for new philosophies of user services is suggested.…

Considers the future of academic libraries in five main areas: (1) funding; (2) buildings and space, including storage options for print and nonprint materials; (3) library materials, including electronic journals and monographs, video, computer software, government information, resource sharing, and workstations; (4) staff, including the roles of…

A study of library school faculty and academic library directors' perceptions of the educational quality of master's and doctoral programs in library and information science and of the professional contributions of library school faculties is reported. Perception rankings are compared to similar studies carried out in 1980 and 1986. (18…