This discussion of the librarian's perspective on collection development cites professional "blind spots" in areas of responses to and misinterpretation of information, censorship, identifying and satisfying reader demand, and confusion over the role of the librarian. A 15-item bibliography is provided. (EJS)

This essay examines American awareness of Soviet literature and writers and vice versa and discusses problems involved in making Soviet literature available to Americans. Highlights include accessibility through public and private libraries and establishing and publicizing a Soviet writings library collection. Some Soviet publications and…

This paper contrasts myths (false beliefs) and realities of two points of view concerning the role of the college library in learning--primary role, or secondary support role to classroom learning. Skills learned in using a college library are highlighted as necessary to acquiring an education and for lifelong learning. (EJS)

Examines policies concerning government-generated information and trend toward privatization of information, i.e., contracting out of government information functions to private sector. The impact these policies may have on public's access to government documents and reports and implications for information professionals are analyzed. A 42-item…

This essay discusses issues raised in Carol Hole's article "Who Me, Censor?" ("Top of the News," Winter 1984) on library material selection and censorship. Balancing a library's book collection, controversial issues and materials, moral judgment, and the mission of librarians are noted. (EJS)

This examination of the position of the special library and its services in the corporate setting highlights reasons why libraries are often taken for granted, library's role in corporate financial calculations, generalizations concerning librarian characteristics, and situations that may indicate trouble for a library that is not serving its…

An effective campaign organized by members of a local regional user group influenced the staff of a large federal organization and resulted in the development of strong communication channels. (Author)

This book assesses the current condition and direction of the American public library. It considers the challenges and opportunities presented by new electronic technologies, changing public policy, fiscal realities, and cultural trends. The authors draw on site visits and interviews conducted across the country, as well as extensive reading of…

This paper discusses early literacy activities provided in and sponsored by libraries. Some of the factors that impact the lives of the children and families that libraries serve are summarized, including the percentage of the population under 18, racial and ethnic diversity, family structures, percentage of children in childcare, low birth…

This paper concentrates on the identification of the main trends that are visible from a librarian's perspective in the area of copyright management in the digital environment. The first section discusses the expansion of licensing, including reasons for this trend, standards for licenses, and collecting societies (i.e., societies that act on…

To help the people in villages and rural areas in their efforts to become literate, librarians should, if necessary, conduct adult education classes, employ audio-visual aids, and even sell adult education materials in the library. (2 references) (Author)

These letters, correspondence between a high school assistant principal and a library science professor, contain spontaneous, sincere and penetrating statements on the meaning of a school library. Together, they comprise a useful document for bridging the distance between school librarians, their teaching colleagues, and their administrators.…

The causes for the failure of the High John project--an attempt by liberal white librarians to make a significant contribution to the redress of American blacks' grievences, and to make the public library a more relevant institution--lie in librarianship itself. (11 references) (Author/SJ)

The institute, established in 1968, is a multinational organization for education in management at the post-graduate level. Its library, with five staff members, now has 4,000 volumes and receives 300 periodical publications: it should eventually become a Central American business and economic management information and research center. (Author/SJ)

The development of cable television, its present state, and future prospects, including a possible role for libraries, are discussed. (Other conference materials are LI 503071 and 503073 through 503084.) (SJ)