Discusses the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Library Awareness Program and presents the American Library Association's policy on confidentiality of library records and suggested procedures for implementing the policy. Relevant state and federal legislation are summarized, and suggestions are offered for library administrators dealing with the…

This second in a series highlights the presidents of the Black Caucus of ALA (American Library Association) and the American Indian Library Association. Issues discussed include leaders' roles in supporting diversity; member networking benefits; helping minorities move into leadership positions; integrating diversity into the ALA; and professional…

Highlights events of the Library Administration and Management Association 1988 conference, including presentation of awards and programs on: (1) transfer of training; (2) hiring; (3) mentoring; (4) acquisitions automation; (5) library building consultation; and (6) managing shared systems. (MES)

Describes the activities of the federal government, state governments, and library associations in generating statistics on U.S. libraries, and discusses the problems that arise from a lack of coordination. Issues discussed include standardized definitions, scope and coverage, data collection and aggregation, data analysis and interpretation,…

Following a brief account of his career as facilities planning officer for the Penn State University Libraries and library building consultant, this interview with William S. Pierce focuses on library facilities. Highlights include the importance of the workplace environment for library effectiveness, funding, attractiveness vs. functionality, the…

Discusses national information networks from the points of view of an academic librarian and the director of the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI). Topics addressed include the roles of libraries, the government, professional library associations, library administrators, and the private sector; user fees; and intellectual property rights.…

This first of two articles on cultural diversity in the library profession includes comments from presidents of three of the American Library Association (ALA) ethnic caucuses: Spanish-Speaking, Asian and Pacific American, and Chinese American. Topics discussed include mentoring, education, networking, leadership, and activities of the Library…

This article is a condensed version of a presentation from the 1991 Public Library Association (PLA) conference that addressed the need for appropriate responses by libraries to changing ethnic and racial populations. Topics discussed include racism, cultural competence in the library profession, adjusting library services, effective leadership,…