This study discusses the learning commons concept in depth by looking at how it has evolved over time, based on the themes discussed in the scholarly research within the last 6 years and contextualizing its trend. It investigates the status of research productivity and impact, trends in the concept, and identifies common, emerging, and dominant…

An increasingly important element of the learning journey for children around the world is the vital role school libraries play in supporting literacy, health, and wellbeing, as well as improving attainment across the curriculum. The Scottish Government established the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) administered by the Scottish Library and…

Many libraries have disaster recovery plans, but not all have prevention and action plans to prepare for an emergency in advance. This article presents the author's review of the prevention and action plans of several libraries: (1) Evergreen State College; (2) Interlochen Public Library; (3) University of Maryland, Baltimore-Marshall Law Library;…

New principles followed in technical planning and architectural design of libraries in the Soviet Union are described, along with the innovations incorporated in the plans for such buildings. (AB)

The new architectural design and reader accommodation of recently completed libraries and those under construction are described. Plans for present and future depository libraries are presented. (Author/JAB)

Publications dealing with all aspects of libraries in Germany, published since 1967, are reviewed. (77 references) (SJ)

The author reports upon her assignment as consultant during the construction of the new library for the international school in Islamabad, West Pakistan. (SJ)

Describes facilities, collections, and services of the Greater Cairo Library, Mubarak Public Library, Heliopolis Public Library, and El Mustaqbal Library and Egyptian efforts to promote literacy and reading. (PEN)

A description of the building and its operation and use, and the library functions, collections, services, and staff is provided. Financial statements are included. (AB)

Provides a description of four seminars and three study tours organized by the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations) Section on Library Buildings and Equipment from 1980-91. Themes include interior design and layout, library buildings in the network context, adapting buildings to library use, planning and design, and control of…

A delegate with the People to People Ambassador program describes her visit to Russia in 1997, focusing on facilities, collections, and services of the Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg, Fundamentals Library of St. Petersburg State Technical University and Open Library Systems Center, National Library of Russia (St. Petersburg), and Russian…

Provides an annotated bibliography of 42 English and Russian language periodicals and books about Russian libraries published from 1987 to 1994 intended for non-Slavic librarians planning to travel to Russia for a work/culture or study experience. An appendix describes visits to three Russian libraries. (Author/LRW)

This paper discusses the design of flexible and intelligent library buildings. The first section addresses how flexibility, as one of the requirements of a library building, that has high priority in the planning process. Intelligent libraries are considered in the second section, and functionality is stressed. The third section examines…

Presents overview of state of Soviet Union library service comprising 350,000 libraries, including national, governmental department, and public group (trade unions, professional associations) libraries. Training of Soviet librarians, library cooperation, national planning and funding, cultural exchange and cooperation, supporting international…