Discussion of problems of and prospects for the professional education of librarians focuses on library schools in research universities. Topics discussed include size of schools; curriculum and course content; communication between librarians and members of research faculties; education versus training; and credentials for admission and…

Describes library and information science education in South India. The development of library schools is related; various degree programs are explained; the growth of research is discussed; recent trends are examined, including distance education opportunities; inservice training for librarians is considered; and placement opportunities are…

Discusses results of a survey that asked library school students to rate their programs and comment on their perceptions of library education. Topics include reasons for choosing a program; resources and institutional support; faculty; balance between technology and librarianship; practice versus theory; admission standards; and courses offered.…

Discussion of change and its influence on information professionals focuses on curriculum changes needed and implemented in library and information science education at Emporia State University. Topics include social context and shifts in perspective; postmodernism; dynamics of information technology and the global information economy; and a…

Describes the Internet Public Library (IPL) which was developed at the School of Information and Library Studies at the University of Michigan to be a library for Internet users. Highlights include mission statement and goals, funding, staffing with volunteers, future possibilities, IPL services, and statement of principles. (LRW)

Presents a three-year case study of the conceptualization, design, funding, construction, and the installation and implementation of instructional systems for an instructional facility built in renovated office space at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies. The Digital Learning Center is a 48-seat technology classroom with distance…

Two University of Arizona faculty members contend that librarians need training in practical library skills, but argue that basic instruction cannot be effectively carried out at the graduate level. Suggestions are provided for employers, the American Library Association and the schools themselves for addressing the practical skills problem. (AEF)

With the proliferation of distance education courses in the field of library and information science today, academic library paraprofessionals have the means to continue their education while continuing to be productive in their jobs. Courses can be taken online through institutions and organizations such as library schools, community colleges,…

The American Association of School Librarians' (AASL's) School Libraries Count! annual longitudinal survey is an online survey that is open to all elementary and secondary school library media programs to participate. The 2009 survey was launched on January 30, and closed on March 22. AASL has received a high participation rate during the three…

Educational standards continue to be hot topics of discussion for this year and, no doubt, beyond. The Council of Chief State School Officials (CCSSO) and the National Governors' Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) has initiated a study based on "Common Core" English/Language Arts and Mathematics Standards. The release of…

The development, publication, and distribution of the "Standards for the 21st-Century Learner" once again demonstrate the vision of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) in pointing the way with new literacies (textual, media, digital, technology) for students. These standards include critical self-assessment strategies that will…

Now that American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has adopted the "Standards for the 21st-Century Learner," elementary library media specialists are beginning to reflect on how they will change their practice. Just when they felt they had achieved a high degree of addressing the skills called for in their standards, they are now challenged…

Many school library media specialists (LMS) would gladly pass along the responsibility of teaching online safety. Others may feel that it is the job of the computer lab personnel, the classroom teacher, or the parent. So how does the LMS fit into this scenario? While it is certainly appropriate for parents and classroom teachers to take joint…

In 2003 the Public Education Network developed the pilot Revitalizing High School Libraries (RHSL) initiative, funded by The New York Life Foundation. Based on the Library Power Program, it included many of the same features--collaborative planning, flexible scheduling, collection development, and facility renovation--with a focus on how this…

For those who tend to purchase many books for personal or professional use, the eBook reader would easily pay for itself within a year. The two leading brands of eBook readers today are the Amazon Kindle and the Sony Book Reader. Both are similar in size, weight, and purchase price. The Kindle includes a keyboard while the Reader provides access…