Libraries are affected by discontinuous change caused by the type and rapidity of technological innovations. By examining the theories of structuration, diffusion of innovation, and contingency, change in libraries can be better understood, thus easing its adoption and assimilation. There is a need to reconceptualize libraries. (Author)

A library renovation class was offered to special education and low-income high school students during the summer, including lessons in Dewey Decimal classification, equipment repair and cleaning, and library organization and research skills. Students helped to plan and implement renovation of their school library media center. (MES)

Collection of nine articles about presidential libraries. Highlights include the National Archives; the Bush Presidential Materials Project; the Nixon Project; automation of the Lyndon B. Johnson Library; the John F. Kennedy Library; the Eisenhower Library's four decades; past and future of the Harry S. Truman Library; the Franklin D. Roosevelt…

Presents the second part of a discussion on "Information Power," a new guide for program development that demonstrates the evolution of the library profession. Describes resources for leadership and development in libraries and education. Highlights include cooperative planning, leadership qualities, flexibility in educational reform,…

Describes Ohio's Library Leadership 2000 (LL2000) institute, an intensive leadership training program for Ohio librarians designed to provide effective leadership skills necessary for use in a rapidly changing environment. A sidebar lists the LL2000 mentors. (JLB)

Discusses a brief history of the role of women in developing school library media programs; and includes the relationship of the American Library Association and the National Education Association. (AEF)

Thirty library professionals with seven years' experience or less and six experienced mentors/librarians attended a week-long leadership institute. The group was led through a leadership curriculum that included the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test; a leadership simulation; and formulated a vision for Ohio libraries. (Author/AEF)

Examines how the libraries of Dade, Broward, and Collier counties have responded with user-centered services to meet the diverse needs of South Florida's Hispanic population. The services are tailored to each system's population, provide services integral to ongoing operations, establish outreach efforts, and bring library services to the people.…

Explores what the library profession can learn from indigenous peoples. Highlights include cooperation, decision making, improving management, using workplace stories to provide reinforcement for success, generosity in service principles, patience, developing information networks, and diversity. (AEF)

Describes how the Magwood Public Library (Cook County, Illinois) successfully passed a $6.5 million tax referendum. Recommends showing the need for expansion, hiring an architectural firm to conduct a feasibility study, detailing the costs, securing community support, emphasizing cost effectiveness, and promoting the proposal. (AEF)

Reference librarians can adapt services for older adults through interviews using interpersonal communication skills. Reader's advisory services, programming, and outreach activities should be focused to target older adult users. Information about issues of family relationships, health, housing, legal and financial affairs, and leisure can be…

Reference librarians must determine the unique information needs of patrons and develop and market appropriate collections and services. The changing instructional paradigm in education provides an opportunity for encouraging information use and literacy for the educational community. Discussion includes information seeking and library use by…

The digital library encompasses the application of high-performance computers and networks to the production, distribution, management, and use of knowledge in research and education. A joint project by three federal agencies, which is investing in digital library initiatives at six universities, is discussed. A sidebar provides issues to consider…

Discusses chief factors that contributed to the rebirth of Chicago's central public library and its branch libraries: (1) a politically connected commissioner, (2) better funding, and (3) a central library. Highlights include a review of the library's administrative management styles, staff training techniques, past and current facilities,…

Presents viewpoints of four library professionals on the role of American libraries in the development of third world libraries. Topics discussed include the role of libraries in democracies; financial and human resource needs; the role of library associations; and staff exchange programs, including the American Library Association's Library…