Describes problems encountered by public librarians when assisting students with assignments that are difficult or impossible to complete. Examples of librarians' successes in assertive, tactful communication with instructors and a list of solutions to inappropriate assignments are provided. Special emphasis is given to assignments dealing with…

Discusses factors that influence the development of university libraries in general, and university libraries in China specifically. It is argued that the development of university libraries in China needs to be coordinated with the development and environment of the entire university, and to be based on existing and latent abilities. (CLB)

Student requests for online searching often show that faculty members have suggested inappropriate searches. A survey of faculty that examined their use of online searching in research and their communications to students about this research method is described, and ways in which librarians might improve the situation are suggested. The…

Summarizes the results of a study that identified researchable issues related to the role of libraries in the information society. Specific research questions are presented within the categories of access to information; information needs and users; libraries and education; library models; the role of public services librarians; and education and…

Six articles discuss library buildings and construction: (1) library buildings and their parts; (2) the North Campus Library of California State University at Long Beach in 1995; (3) new structures for teaching libraries; (4) construction standards for California public libraries; (5) Sick (Library) Building Syndrome; and (6) using focus-group…

The development and current status of Friends of the Library groups in Canada and the United States are discussed. Suggestions for forming a group and fostering cooperation between the Friends and the library are offered. The resulting benefits to the library and the community are explored. (25 references) (CLB)

Examines the impact of information technology, the economics of information, and changing patterns of scholarly communication on the role of the academic library. Libraries are called upon to cooperate in building a national information network for scholarly communications based on existing bibliographic utilities and the developing academic…

Discusses the need for on-the-job training for newly appointed academic librarians to provide an introduction to the policies, procedures, methods, relationships, and attitudes that form the character of their positions. An example is used to illustrate the guidelines for a successful orientation. (7 notes with references) (Author/CLB)

An article originally published in 1973 discusses the increasingly difficult role of the university library director and identifies factors contributing to the declining status of that position. Recommendations for ameliorating the problem are offered. The introduction discusses the applicability of the article to the current situation of…

Describes the educational philosophy of Nigeria and explores the role of libraries in the realization of these educational objectives. The discussion covers materials and services that libraries should offer to help promote recreational reading and encourage individual development. (21 references) (Author/CLB)

Discusses the future of librarians, libraries, and library schools in the age of electronic information. Commentary includes the changing role of the librarian in information selection; organization and access in instruction; and suggestions for revitalizing library education and image improvement. (seven references) (KRN)

Reviews the growing body of work that examines reading as a process occurring within a social context and having social consequences. Three categories within this literature are examined: studies of literacy and its sociocultural role; the history of the book; and the meaning of reading as an activity. Notes and a bibliography is appended. (15…

Discusses ways to help motivate reluctant readers. Topics include early reading experiences of aliterate readers; the value of reading-related activities like book clubs and reading clubs; other activities that motivate and/or discourage readers; the role of parents, teachers, and librarians; and narrowing choices to make book selection easier.…

Discusses results of a national telephone survey that was conducted to assess public opinion about the importance of various roles of public libraries. Topics addressed include financial support and community spending for public libraries; differences of opinions between ethnic groups and by demographic groups; and possible uses of the data.…

Offers a detailed overview of accreditation standards, criteria, and procedures used by one specialized accreditor; and suggests ways to be prepared for site visits and reports. A directory of 73 specialized accreditors and a brief bibliography are appended. (18 references) (Author/SLW)