This paper argues that the ancient people of Kemet (Egypt), "the black land," built and operated the first major libraries and institutions of higher education in the world. Topics of discussion include the Ancient Egyptians as an African people; a chronology of Ancient Kemet; literature in Kemet; a history of Egyptian Librarianship; the…

This annual report of the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) begins with a list of supporters, a letter from the chairman, and a message from the president. The major CLIR programs are then described: (1) Preservation and Access, including domestic and international activities; (2) Digital Libraries, including developing libraries…

Results of a survey of 15 directors of large libraries revealed a consensus that despite their adversarial roles and the time and effort it takes to make the relationship work, unions are worth the trouble. Highlights include who runs the library, rewarding mediocrity, salaries, team versus individual, race, negotiating roles, and changes needed.…

Although telecommuting has been found to increase productivity and morale in business environments, libraries rarely consider it. This article discusses telecommuting's potential impact on contact with users, length of employment, job descriptions, budgets, management style, communication, and workflow. This option may help libraries retain older…

Discusses the difficulties inherent in de-selecting (or weeding) a library collection. Examines the issue of making sound judgments regarding what should be weeded and how. Suggests alternatives to discarding books, such as remote storage, selling them back to patrons, and sharing within a consortium. (NB)

Discusses the importance of library systems administrators addressing the Year 2000 problem in their libraries. Reviews Web-based resources that deal with understanding the problem, offer vendor statements about their products, and discuss how some libraries are preparing for the Year 2000 problem. (AEF)

Answers some of the more common objectives and addresses critical issues raised in over 250 responses from readers of the author's article, "Building the Largest Library: Driving into the Future" (Searcher, March 1999). Responses are discussed under four main subject areas: the catalog, collection development, interlibrary loan, and library…

The paper examines the constraints that hamper growth of university libraries in Pakistan. The study is based on personal observations and experience of the author, a review of relevant literature on the subject, and discussion with several senior library administrators. Issues identified are as follows: inadequacy of library collections, absence…

Since the publication of the third edition of this book in 1961, numerous changes have occurred in the policies, procedures, functions and technology of academic librarianship. The present volume incorporates the literature of the past 13 years, and the author concludes that while the changes implied through the literature are significant and…

Included in these Proceedings are papers and discussion transcriptions of the 1975 Personnel Evaluation Institute. The collected papers deal with the theme of personnel performance evaluation in public, academic, and special libraries. Topics include management fundamentals, developing and using personnel evaluation systems, the library director…

This compilation presents drafts and plans of staff development programs designed by participants of the Institute for Training in Staff Development for 21 western libraries. To provide a context for examination of the models, an overview outlines the necessary components for a successful staff development program. Section I considers staff…

Describes how library administrators can create awareness of the disabled as capable staff and patrons and help staff develop positive attitudes toward the disabled. Suggestions include use of existing programs to promote awareness; sensitivity training; use of appropriate terminology for the disabled; and the need for ongoing efforts. (three…

Examines the concept of empowerment as a movement to foster the democratization of the workplace and staff development. Empowerment versus participative management, the relationship of empowerment to organizational theory, factors influencing empowerment in organizations, and possible consequences of successful empowerment for employees and…

This report is an analysis of an investigation of staffing requirements for librarianship and information work carried out between 1972 and 1975 under the title of Sheffield Manpower Project. The results of the administration of a job descriptive questionnaire to members in a representative 45 per cent sample of libraries and information units (19…

These seven papers on library management and networks focus on: (1) computerized access to archival and library materials, describing the methodological problems associated with a pilot project in the German Democratic Republic, as well as the efficiency of data bank systems; (2) present and future development of libraries and information centers…