While libraries have the basic responsibility of collecting, documenting, and organizing information, they also have a bigger responsibility to societal elements of public policy, political theory, social trends, and cultural values. This article introduces the theme of this issue, which discusses libraries and society in relation to these bigger…

Highlights some of the skills and technological advances that have changed the way special collections are preserved in reference to two approaches: item-level conservation and collections conservation. Discusses mechanical paper splitting; computer imaging and mechanization; mass deacidification; controlling temperature, humidity, pests, and…

Presents overviews of librarian and library support staff education from 1887 to the present. Discusses current forces in education for librarians; the balance between professional and university environments; differences between education for librarians and library technicians; persistent themes; the role of information science in library…

Factors to be considered in designing a comfortable library work environment are identified as new technology, changing relationships between library staff and patrons, and increased awareness of human needs of staff. Features of furniture and equipment for service desk areas, staff work areas, and office areas are discussed. (5 references) (MES)

Discusses changes in libraries brought about by economic pressures, technological advancement of communication systems, the computer, network development, and the new information environment, including the trend toward individual user oriented services, and information brokerages. (MBR)

Examines the intersection of conservation and digital imaging based on guidelines at the Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) library. Discusses the digitization of artifacts; assessing the condition prior to scanning; scanning considerations, including temperature and humidity, lighting, and security; stable storage of artifacts after scanning; and…

The research that is reported was done to describe some of the conditions under which or because of which information service is provided in small, rural public libraries, and suggests some of the problems that are endemic to such service. (Author/FM)

Discusses the following aspects of the design of mechanical and electrical systems to meet the various requirements of libraries: (1) library planning teams; (2) raised floors; (3) lighting considerations; (4) air quality; (5) acoustics; and (6) climate controls. The importance of adaptability to meet future needs is stressed. (MES)

Provides an overview of the current state of networking technology in rural libraries and describes a model for educating rural librarians in accessing electronic networks. Topics discussed include information needs in rural libraries; telecommunications technology access in rural areas; and examples of services to enhance information access.…

Examines the role of electronic academic journals in scholarly communities. Discusses ways in which the journals support and alter the development of scholarly communities including enhanced communication, cost effectiveness, dissemination speed, preprint distribution, and collaborative texts. Describes experiences with one electronic journal…

The content of library science journals, by sharing information about technology-based change, may affect the organizational structure in which librarians and staff work, their expectations for using technology, and their need for libraries to become, to a greater degree, learning organizations. This article deals only with print journals. (AEF)

Reviews literature to form a folklore of information workspace and emphasizes the importance of studying folklore of information work environments in the context of the current shift toward removing work from any particular place via information systems, e-mail, and the Web. Discusses trends in workplace design and corporate culture. Contains 84…

Compares results of a 1998 survey concerning university library support staff perceptions and opinions about technological change to results of a similar survey administered to the same population in 1988. Offers the evolving perceptions, opinions, and suggestions of these library personnel as a resource for better planning of library automation…

Discusses issues in the management of volunteers in research libraries, outlining the benefits to volunteers and libraries, as well as potential hazards. The volunteer program at Chicago's Newberry Library is described, focusing on recruitment, job assignments, motivation, staff attitudes, retention and library benefits. (26 references) (EA)

Examines the results of a study of the role of the secondary school library media program in easing the adolescent immigrant's struggle with assimilation. Highlights include student-centered learning environments that value cultural diversity; a focus on personal beliefs; use of technology; and a literature program based on the archetypal hero.…