The American Library Association's "National Directory: Library Paraprofessional Associations" (1996 edition) lists 46 active library paraprofessional associations or subsidiary groups in the United States. Reviews reasons why paraprofessionals began forming associations, compares selected associations, and examines their place within…

Discusses professional associations and unions in terms of their culture, motives for collective action, and the value they ultimately promote. Concludes that it is up to a professional occupation to define the degree of difference between these two types of organizations. (Author)

Trends in service marketing are explored as they relate to strategic vision, operational and organizational changes, and marketing tactics. Discussion includes the need for a market-driven culture, the use of training and incentives, the role of product management, and the significance of "mood." (Author/AEF)

By examining organizational objectives, the choices librarians make about marketing and customer focus become clearer. Ideas from social marketing reveal that adopting a customer orientation toward marketing may not be right for some libraries. (AEF)

Special libraries developed in response to a need for quick access to specific information. Integrated marketing in special libraries focuses the library toward strategic planning and offers the opportunity to develop more effective library services. (Author/AEF)

Examines the impact of the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) on education for library and information science and its efforts to influence the field. Highlights include themes historically pursued by ALISE, recent association initiatives, its probable future directions, and its relationships with other professional…

Discusses the changing role and responsibilities of middle managers and department heads in large research libraries. Skills and abilities required for effective management and the need for continuing leadership training are outlined. (10 references) (EA)

Libraries need to adapt their systems for the collection, preservation, organization, and distribution of information to take advantage of new technology and communication tools. Libraries that successfully adapt these systems will become a more central institution in the community served. (AEF)

Discusses variations between academic and public libraries for librarians contemplating a career change from academic to public librarianship. Highlights include the political atmosphere of public libraries; library boards; organizational goals; collection development; censorship issues; diversity; employment process; the future of public…

Strategies for designing effective professional development programs for research librarians are discussed, focusing on competencies of librarians and benefits to the organization. An internship model that outlines necessary components in the context of quality management and effectiveness is offered. (26 references) (EA)