The idea of "reading the room" borrowed from the business world applies to how school library professionals can identify and responsively meet the needs of users. By stepping up to do work even when it is not requested, and yet in alignment with our mission, we can help sustain our library programs.

In 2010 the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) responded to rapid changes in school libraries by convening the "Wisconsin School Library Summit: Envisioning 21st Century Learners and School Library Media Programs." Summit participants discussed the future of school libraries in Wisconsin. During the summit, several…

Summarizes results of a survey of ARL (Association of Research Libraries) webmasters that investigated aspects of their roles and job tasks. Discusses their education; job responsibilities; job satisfactions and dissatisfactions; and their opinions about Web committees and the role of librarians in Web site development. Offers suggestions for…

Based on observations made during a 1979-80 study trip, this paper presents a critical view of academic librarianship and libraries in India, emphasizing issues confronting the library profession and its ability to fulfill library objectives in a developing nation. It is noted that modern India is a society closely tied to tradition while at the…

Discusses the problem of differentiating librarianship from other information-related occupations. Several models used to define the concept of information are presented; and the relationships of information to knowledge, information science, library science, and the mission of the academic library are explored. (34 notes with references) (CLB)

Discusses current problems in professional education for school library media specialists, including the closing of programs, declining enrollments, and a lack of intellectual focus. A model is proposed which defines three purposes of school library media programs and provides a template against which specific professional programs can be…

Describes a cooperative program between the library school and university library at the University of Michigan which addresses information literacy and information in a diverse society. The discussion covers program-related courses on information resources and American diversity; the library/library school relationship; and management issues…

Discusses the trend toward the provision of educational services by special libraries. Examples of educational services provided by law libraries, health and science libraries, and corporate libraries are reviewed, new educational formats are described, and factors that should influence the decision to provide educational services are identified.…

Discusses the future of librarians, libraries, and library schools in the age of electronic information. Commentary includes the changing role of the librarian in information selection; organization and access in instruction; and suggestions for revitalizing library education and image improvement. (seven references) (KRN)

Discusses the impact of societal and technological changes on various types of libraries, and considers the implications of these changes for the education and training of information professionals. Problems facing libraries are described, and preservice and inservice educational needs are addressed. (25 references) (LRW)

Identifies challenges facing graduate library education and recommends ways to keep library programs from closing, including better defining the profession of librarianship and avoiding isolation by engaging in high-profile, universitywide relationships with other academic departments. Unique characteristics of librarians and librarianship are…

This paper discusses the concept of information resources management using the library as touchstone; examines the academic environment and implications of changes for future academic librarianship; and suggests way of looking top-down at library/information school curriculum concentrating on three substantive components of education (theory,…

Describes the DELTA (Direct Electronic Learning Teaching Alternative) project at California State University that was developed to promote distance education methods to prepare for future needs. Computer networks, the role of library and information science education, media access, collaborative work, and instructional resources are discussed.…

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…

Examines the past record of public libraries in serving United States Latinos. Considers current conditions warranting renewed attention and proposes new directions for future library services to this community. Discusses strategic plans, preparation of children's librarians, new support personnel, the technological gap, recurrent questions, and…