Discussion of library information systems focuses on the idea of including user-supplied data (USD) in libraries' automated catalogs. Hypertext is mentioned, the information explosion and the ability to selectively retrieve information is considered, and the value of user input in evaluating the relevance of material is discussed. (12 references)…

Describes a library user education program for first-year students at Zambia's Copperbelt University that is designed to increase student awareness of available resources; improve their skills in independent learning; and enhance the presentation of their coursework. Planning user education programs in conjunction with faculty and other…

Discussion of professional ethics for school library media specialists highlights issues involving copyright. Ethics and the school curriculum is discussed, the librarian's code of ethics is reviewed, educating teachers as well as students about copyright law is suggested, and resources dealing with copyright issues are listed. (18 references)…

Considers the status of higher education and academic libraries in Saudi Arabia. Topics covered include the role of academic libraries, use patterns, library education, the availability of professional librarians and administrators, library automation, academic cooperation with the United States, and the impact of social influences on library…

Summarizes nine papers commissioned by the Department of Education for "Rethinking the Library in the 1990s." Common themes include user education, technological and social change, public policies, and changing roles for librarians. It is argued that these papers, which address adult services, need to be critiqued in terms of library…

Discusses the oral tradition of Africa as history, as literature, and as an ongoing characteristic of African culture. It is argued that libraries should accommodate this tradition by actively gathering oral history and by providing community services based on oral, rather than written, materials. (Nine references) (CLB)

Discusses current trends that are predicted to intensify and to change library operations and the way society uses information technology. Trends discussed include focus on user needs; direct user access of electronic information; the obsolescence of first and second generation systems; a contention between optical products and online access; and…

The integration of library user education into the general education curriculum is discussed in 25 articles. Major areas covered include bridging the gap between high school and college; library skills in community colleges; library skills in colleges and universities; library use skills for off-campus programs; and issues related to…

Summarizes current research on teaching children to love reading, and identifies techniques that can be used by parents, teachers and librarians to foster this attitude. The topics discussed include the value of reading aloud to children, selecting children's books, the different interests of boys and girls, and reading to develop values. (six…

Describes nine categories of library automation systems intended for direct use by library patrons: catalog information systems; electronic information systems; information presentation systems; instructional systems; consultation systems; information services and delivery systems; conferencing systems; integrative systems; and user computing…

Describes ways in which people use local collections, increased interest in local history in Great Britain, and sources of local history. The discussion includes the implications for training librarians, and the need to offer training to all librarians, not just those who specialize in local studies work. (31 references) (CLB)

Describes the impact of information technology on higher education. Highlights include balancing the educational mission between research, teaching, and service; accountability; the growing knowledge base; limited resources; the influence of universities on economic development; systemic change; strategic planning; learning environments;…

Discusses the concept of the learning organization contained in Peter Senge's text, "The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization," and how it applies to schools. The school library information professional's potential role as a practitioner of systems thinking, which Senge defines as the fifth discipline, is…

Describes the Knapp School Libraries Project that was developed in the 1960s to create model libraries in elementary and secondary schools by upgrading their materials and qualified personnel. Visits from librarians, educators, students, and community members that helped disseminate the model libraries' characteristics are discussed. (Contains 14…

Discusses the need for school librarians to respond to changes in the field of education as well as in librarianship. Topics addressed include responses to change, including resistance; new roles for librarians, teachers, and administrators; cooperation with other libraries; involvement in the school's change process; and librarians as change…