This paper traces the roots of higher education from Ancient Greece to the first universities in European countries where the idea of upper education became centered on the interactive dialogue between a teacher and student. The report discusses the role of the university library today in an age of ever-developing technologies and ever-increasing…

Presents an interview with the Executive Director of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Highlights include attracting members to the AASL, the multifaceted role of Executive Director, education, previous positions and accomplishments, goals for YALSA, intellectual freedom,…

In order for the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and depository libraries to assume their new role in the electronic environment, librarians need to examine their current technology, deal with political realities, and be critical of FDLP ideals. The FDLP needs to be reorganized into a new system of information centers to provide the best…

Library literature is examined for patterns for succession to the academic library director's position. A survey of 21 library directors of The Council on State University Libraries was conducted to determine changes. Findings indicate women find it easier to obtain library director positions through external hires; male librarians no longer have…

Describes how the University of Rhode Island conducted its search for a newly configured position of Vice Provost for Information and Dean of University Libraries. Discusses the search committee members, the two professional "cultures" representing libraries and academic computing, degree requirements, job responsibilities and…

Presents a 50-year history of school library development and national educational programs in Fiji and discusses the future of Fiji's elementary and secondary school libraries. Examines obstacles to school library development including government ignorance, lack of trained librarians, changes in school curriculum, lack of financing, and high costs…

Libraries should be active participants in knowledge production, and should develop classificatory structures that support the needs of a diverse information ecology consisting of a complex web of interacting agents, users, and technologies. Within such an information ecology, a classificatory structure cannot follow a one-size-fits-all paradigm,…

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 describes the increasingly dynamic involvement of information professionals in the learning and teaching process in higher education. The converged service model at the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom) is described. Established in 1995, the converged service brought the university library, computing service, television service,…

Explores the evolving paradigm of academic libraries, the impact of this change on the library director's role, and the orientation and qualifications. Reveals that the "post-hierarchical" library will call for a leader who is flexible and innovative, a superb communicator with good analytical skills and deductive and reasoning ability, as well as…

Compares and contrasts the experiences and perceived roles of librarians and architects in the library-design processes of recently completed branch public libraries in three library systems in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia. Discusses the project team, site selection, architect selection, library interiors, and information…

Discusses the challenges confronting law libraries in this age of technology. Highlights include physical storage space; transformation of the library environment; search and retrieval challenges; law library/librarian profile; librarian/publisher partnerships; and the future roles of technology and library services. (AEF)

Australian librarians have participated in and contributed to international librarianship for over 125 years. Individual and collective practice is well regarded internationally since it is in dialogue with international concerns, is based on shared values and reaches high standards. Many are willing contributors to international initiatives,…

This book provides school library media specialists (SLMSs) with practical guidelines and suggested Internet sites for designing cyber libraries that are reflective of their school's research, curriculum, and recreational reading needs. An introduction provides SLMSs with a rationale for designing cyber libraries. Chapter 1, Cyber Library…

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…