As more and more New Yorkers turn to digital books, Wikipedia and other online tools for information and entertainment, there is a growing sense that the age of the public library is over. But, in reality, New York City's public libraries are more essential than ever. Far from becoming obsolete, the city's three public library systems--Brooklyn,…

The foundation of the mighty Google Empire rests upon an algorithm that connects people to information--things such as websites, maps, and restaurant reviews. Lately it seems that people are less interested in connecting with information than they are with connecting to one another, which begs the question, "Is Facebook the new Google?" Given this…

Discusses the future of libraries and the necessary steps that need to be taken to be successful. Topics discussed include the process of change, the need to emphasize delivery systems rather than storage facilities, library services, the need for strategic planning, the role of technology, and library leadership. (11 references) (LRW)

Offers a perspective on changes that have occurred in academic reference librarianship since 1980. Topics include librarians' responsibilities; the changing uses of reference services by students and faculty; technological advancements; the organization of libraries, including management styles and theories; roles of libraries and librarians; and…

This two-page digest briefly outlines some of the technological trends in updating a library, and briefly discusses the administrative issues and strategies involved. It begins by describing the wholly integrated information environment, which would include: (1) public-access personal and professional communications networks; (2) information…

Explains the criteria by which 50 public libraries were chosen as outstanding, and reports the results of a survey of the directors which focused on major problems in libraries; desired goals in administration and technical and public services; predicted trends; stage of computerization; and sources of information and new ideas. (CLB)

Explores the implications of changes to be expected within foreseeable future (1985-95) in environment, mission, functions, and operations of academic libraries for librarians and librarianship. Context of academic librarianship, governance, faculty status, the library's information economy, marketing information to end user, and possible futures…

The following information is provided in this annual report: names and positions of 1996 Board of Trustees members, Library of Michigan Foundation 1996 Board of Directors, legislative council, alternate members, and Library of Michigan staff; the library mission; a list of 10 major administrative tasks conducted in 1996; service and technological…

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…

This report is designed to accompany House of Representatives Bill (H.R.) 2742, which amends and reauthorizes the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) through 1994. In discussing the background of the bill and the need for the legislation, it is noted that, since recommendations from the 1991 White House Conference on Library and…

This report of the 95-member Council for the Comprehensive Plan for Libraries, which included representatives from government, libraries, and the public sector, is not intended to answer all the questions for all those concerned about the future of libraries, but rather to bring focus to the issues and to set a direction for solving the problems…

This document records testimony before the U.S. Senate on the reauthorization of Public Law 84-597, the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA). The original purpose of the LSCA was to bring library services to rural areas and to those citizens who had previously been deprived of access (the handicapped, disadvantaged, and those who speak…

Reviews recent research on the rate of implementation and impacts of office automation (i.e., expanding microcomputer use, expert systems, electronic publishing) and outlines how these impacts may lead to changes in roles and services of libraries and information professionals. (Author/MBR)

This overview of the development of scientific and technical libraries in the United States highlights changes since World War II and present-day characteristics, role of the information manager, planning process, fiscal management, collection management, services, impact of technology, networking, marketing library services, and implications for…

Current trends in public library reference service include use of online systems; budget constraints in public sector; increased service; use, training, and supervision of paraprofessionals; centralized organization of reference service; participation in management of reference services; and more realistic attempts at measurement and evaluation of…