Outlines development of business and library management in western countries, management approaches in China in general, and Chinese library and information services in particular. Suggestions for improvement of Chinese library services address geographic distribution, regional cooperation, national referral services, open access, publicity,…

This essay addresses the ambiguity and confusion arising out of two values that have been embodied in American public library ideology since at least the last quarter of the nineteenth century: concept of the public library as community institution; the public library's emphasis on service to the individual. (27 references) (EJS)

Discusses the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress which has been documenting the nation's folklife since 1977. Highlights include the history of the Center; projects; public presentations (live events, workshops, lectures); exhibitions; publications and future plans. (AEF)

Although calls for a National Library began as early as 1883, the cornerstone of the future national library was the Canadian Bibliographic Centre, established in 1950, which began work on the national bibliography and national union catalog. When the National Library of Canada was established in 1953 under the direction of W. Kaye Lamb, the…

As background for defining public library adult services in the 1980s the perceived role of the public library in the United States since its inception is summarized and changing definitions are analyzed. Data collection and analysis plans for the Adult Services in the Eighties Project are described. (EM)

This paper traces the roots of the current library preservation movement and its evolution during the second half of the 20th century. It also looks at some of the contemporary shifts in thinking about preservation and changes in practice that are being explored by libraries. Finally the paper draws some conclusions as to the scope of programs in…

Describes developments in library services that took place in Oman from 1970-90 and discusses the current status of library development. Topics discussed include the rapid social and economic development in Oman, the lack of human and physical resources, the lack of a national library, and deficiencies in school libraries. (five references) (LRW)

This report presents the results of a project designed to assist the Department of Education, Office of Libraries and Learning Technologies (OLLT), and the wider community serves to identify research priorities for the 1980s in the field of library and information science. The rationale for establishing a national research agenda for the 1980s is…

A series of recollections, memoirs, and anecdotes, this short autobiographical sketch focuses on former American Library Association (ALA) President Robert Vosper's involvement in the international library community from World War II until the 1980s. The work opens with reminiscences of acquiring foreign materials in 1944 while working at the…

Nine articles in this issue cover topics currently being discussed in serials librarianship: historical development, impact of technology, relationship of librarians and publishers of serials, collection development, management of serials automation, serials conversion, automated serials control, MARC format for holdings and locations, a union…

This study develops a chronological summary of the relationship between the development of library service in North Carolina--particularly public library service--and the State Library and the North Carolina Library Commission. The study was the first step in a long-range planning enterprise (to the year 2000) which encompasses not only…

Describes the historical development of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences Library, and examines the future of scientific libraries in a digital era. Discusses technological changes in the library's policies, services, and organization, and presents an economic analysis of these changes. A sidebar summarizes the library's steps…

This bulletin outlines the programs submitted by 50 States and Territories for the second year of the Library Services Act. These programs reflect the planning and development which has been taking place across the Nation in the extension and improvement of public library service in rural areas. In the first year, fiscal 1957 (July 1, 1956,…

Never before has a fully informed citizenry been more important to the present and future well-being of the Nation than it is today. And yet, recent investigations have shown that 27 million of our children and adults live in areas without any public library service, and 53 million more have only inadequate book and information services available…

This document is a bound copy of reports of the U.S. Commissioner of Education for 1940, 1941, 1941-42, 1942-43, and 1944. Each report provides discussion and data on U.S. education across sectors and jurisdictions, and the programs and organization of the Office of Education. Topics presented in the reports include general education, vocational…