Examines the community of libraries and library schools for the probability of its long-term survival in its present form. Evolutionary rates are considered, essential functions now performed by the library community are described, and two new functions are recommended for future survival: (1) research leadership in information science, and (2)…

Discussion of how school library media specialists can fulfill the mission stated in "Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs" focuses on responsiveness to the concerns of school administrators. Topics addressed include impacts on student learning; learner outcomes and performance objectives; measures of…

Discusses training for student assistants in academic libraries, reviews the literature on role playing, and describes "The Reference Game," a role-playing exercise used to train reference student assistants at Baylor University (Texas). Description notes participant roles, preparation, rules of the game, typical questions, and…

Examines the shortage of children's librarians based on a survey of professionals regarding training, recruitment, retention, and importance of children's librarians. Highlights include library school training and pertinent course offerings; career ladders for children's librarians; and staff recruitment as a reflection of the community,…

A survey of 977 postgraduate distance-learning students in the United Kingdom investigated student perceptions of library needs. This article examines how students felt they were treated, need for libraries, library training (previous experience and nature and extent of training), problems of distance and time, costs for texts and charges for…

Reviews the literature on outcome-based education (OBE) and discusses its application in library instruction and reference service, particularly in the introduction of new information technologies. Suggests that an OBE approach in the planning stage can help determine if an information resource is beneficial to the users. (Author/LRW)

Describes the curriculum of free training courses offered at the New York Public Library Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) that focus on information-seeking skills and information literacy. Classes offered include basic library skills, Internet and World Wide Web, business information, government information, and science information.…

Presents a view of interlibrary cooperation as practiced, discussing the organizational components of successful cooperation, the history and current state of cooperation, and the future of cooperation in American libraries. Uses as one example, OhioLINK, a statewide consortium of academic libraries designed to move materials between Ohio…

Examines the network computer, originally conceived as an alternative device to personal computers to access the Internet and World Wide Web, from a technology perspective and looks at potential uses in education. Describes network architecture; discusses uses for library research, educational technology laboratories, and distance education.…

Describes the grant-supported Read, Enjoy and Do (R.E.A.D.) program of the Park Forest (Illinois) Public Library intended to provide materials to help parents/caregivers make reading an enjoyable learning experience for children. Highlights the program's accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses. Analyzes changed or altered grant needs and…

Focuses on the library service principles of multisensory thinking, respect for the question, and respect for the questioner as they relate to people with learning disabilities and all users. Discusses reading difficulties of people with dyslexia, along with audiotape and computer technologies that libraries can use. Presents approaches to the…

Discusses the changing face of libraries as a result of the penetration of technology into the home, school, and workplace. Charts the evolution of libraries from the perspectives of strategic planning, role, service delivery, organization and staffing, the librarian's role, budgeting and finance, assessment and accountability, and alliances. (VWC)

Presents ways libraries can provide services for refugees. Discusses identifying needs, distributing orientation guides, and collecting foreign-language literature. Libraries can raise awareness through collection development, exhibits, lectures series, locating teaching resources, and creating Web sites. Examples of different patrons include…

Suggests that work with the labor movement presents an opportunity for libraries to reach deeper into their community of users. Provides examples of library services, both in-house programs and materials and outreach efforts, for the labor community. Notes that the need for library-labor partnerships is as strong as ever. (AEF)

Suggests strategies for school librarians to build a power base and become involved with the teachers and students. Highlights include surveying teachers regarding their needs and then responding with bibliographies of resources and flexible lesson plans, joining planning teams and committees, and encouraging student use of the library. (LRW)