Presents the text of the report's transmittal message by the President to the Congress. It stresses the importance of libraries, identifies specific responsibilities of the federal government, characterizes the needs of the disadvantaged, and encourages the use of new information techniques. (RAA)

Discusses issues and goals of the Conference. The importance of libraries is considered in terms of government responsibility, literacy, information technology, library resources, and library networks. (SW)

The oversight hearing at the second White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS2) focuses on the role of the library in three major areas addressed by conference presenters: a literate work force; the productivity to compete in the international marketplace in the 21st century; and a populace fully equipped to participate in…

This report describes adult literacy needs, the role of the libraries in meeting those needs, literacy needs and services in New York, and the contributions the City University of New York (CUNY) is making to the literacy effort. Quotations from Paulo Freire and Jonathan Kozol are used to define the nature of illiteracy and its extent in the…

This paper examines the characteristics and functions of governmental libraries and information systems which contribute to the decision making activities of governmental institutions. It explores the governmental planning process to outline sources of information, subject specialities, information formats, classes of users, and information…

Analyzes the evolution of public library boards in Ontario (Canada) from a politico-historical perspective. The need for librarians to play a more active, visible role in politics is suggested; the origin of the board form of governance is explained; and future possibilities, including abolishing public library boards, are discussed. (Contains 28…

Summarizes issues raised at the 1991 spring conference of the Association of College and Research Libraries/New England Chapter (ACRL/NEC) concerning computer networks and libraries. Highlights include national information policy; library resources and services; developments at the National Agricultural Library (NAL); ILLINET; resource sharing in…

The results of a 2-year study on the interactions between government and private sector information activities are presented in terms of principles and guidelines for federal policy to support the development and use of information resources, products, and services, and to implement the principles. Discussions address sources of conflict between…

Reviews the idealistic origins of the public library in the United States and the gradual shift from private to public financial support. It is argued that a skeptical attitude toward the public sector led to the recent financial crisis for public libraries, and that strategies for funding must include reaffirmation of the original idealistic…

Traces the development of the National Library of Canada, focusing on the significance of this history in the context of national development. Future issues facing the library are identified, and the inherent ambiguity of recognizing international standards while protecting a specific national heritage is discussed. (9 references) (Author/CLB)

Describes four categories of censorship supported by the State of Emergency in South Africa: prior censorship and suspension of publication; restraints on information gathering; suppression of anti-apartheid views; and the growth of militarization. A comparison to traditional censorship of books is made and the possible role of librarians in…

This discussion guide on the conference theme, Library and Information Services for Improving Organizations and the Professions, focuses on the information needs of organizational and professional constituencies, including business. It is intended to serve as a guide for the discussion of issues raised in this theme area. Following a general…

Traces the development of national computer networks and discusses the need for the National Research and Education Network (NREN). Topics discussed include ARAPNET, Internet, BITNET, NSFNET, the role of the government, legislative status, the Coalition for Networked Information, policy issues, technological requirements, and libraries and NREN.…

Contrasts the arguments of economists who measure the value of library services to society by business standards with the criteria of "the public good" which predominated during the development of public libraries and argues that libraries must continue to serve the whole community. Twenty references are cited. (RAA)

Reports on second White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS2), which was held in July 1991. Highlights include discussions of the conference themes of literacy, productivity, and democracy; speaker's remarks, including those of President George Bush; a Joint Congressional Hearing on Library and Information Services; and a…