Describes a study that examined problems encountered by geoscientists in retrieving and processing information. The results reported include judged importance of information sources, modes of information seeking, interest in end-user searching, opinions of foreign language literature, variations in information seeking patterns, and constraints set…

Describes changes in Soviet research libraries as a possible indicator of the success of glasnost. Topics covered include open access to resources, improved library services, and the use of information technologies. A special report on the 1988 U.S.-U.S.S.R. library seminar is provided. (12 references) (CLB)

Describes a survey of public libraries that examined problems associated with access to local government information. Findings are reported on the nature of requests received, the types of responses given and sources used, and reasons given by librarians for providing access to local government information. (14 notes with references) (CLB)

Discussion of several of the objectives in Information Power, the new American Association of School Librarians/Association for Educational Communications and Technology guidelines for library media specialists, considers such topics as access to information and the role of the media specialist. (eight references) (MES)

Examines the library profession from a cross cultural perspective in order to explain how and why librarians define their work the way they do. The efforts of librarians to gain professional recognition are discussed as a means of understanding how librarians view their role and how they are ultimately affecting their society. (CLB)

Discussion of historians as library users divides the historians into four categories: professional historians, student historians, amateur historians, and family historians. Highlights include examples of problems with library services, including misleading library catalogs and inadequate reference service; the reference librarian as guide to…

Discusses the role of rural public libraries in the information age. Characteristics of rural communities that library planners should consider are conservatism, the lack of professionally trained librarians, library trustee involvement, the need for marketing, and gender balance. Suggestions for recreating rural libraries and providing…

Discusses the role that academic libraries play in encouraging cultural diversity on university and college campuses to support efforts to recruit and retain minority students and faculty. Strategies developed at Bowling Green State University to increase library hiring of minority student workers are described. (Contains 10 references.) (LRW)

Describes a collection development project to assess the African American materials in the Georgia State University library from an interdisciplinary point of view that grew into a continuing strategy of collaboration. Highlights include bibliography checking; individual and group initiatives; local library cooperation; and budgetary support.…

Presents 12 ideals that libraries strive for, including informing citizens; breaking down boundaries, including literacy programs; promoting equity in resource availability; valuing the individual; nourishing creativity; helping children; providing business information; building communities; supporting families; fighting censorship challenges;…

Describes a project sponsored by a grant from the American Association of School Librarians and the Highsmith Corporation that focused on elementary curriculum integration of the library media program, collaboration between teachers and media specialists based on roles suggested in "Information Power," and flexible or fixed scheduling of…

Discusses political implications of the restraints imposed by business groups and how they are affecting the depository library program, the National Research and Education Network, and the National Information Infrastructure. Highlights include pertinent legislation; the architecture of information networks; and possible future outcomes,…

Changes in medical school curricula and teaching approach have led to an increased use in computer courseware and other technology. The traditional audiovisual library serving medical school students must redefine the role of the information provider to include helping students navigate networks; choosing and evaluating instructional materials;…

By reflecting the new global community in staffing, collections, programs, exhibits, and services, public libraries will be fulfilling their role in the acculturation and education of new citizens, as well as contributing to greater community understanding and a new world order. A sidebar lists seven steps for serving recent immigrants. (AEF)

Discusses the role of librarians as information intermediaries and suggests that this role be emphasized instead of encouraging enduser searching that relegates librarians to the role of advisor or consultant. Highlights include librarians' roles in public education; reference services; academic librarians; and the appropriate use of technology.…