This report examines the potential impact of optical media--videodiscs, compact audio discs, and optical disks, tapes, and cards--in library related applications. A detailed consideration of the technology includes discussion of the underlying principles, the various forms in which the technology is marketed, production methods and costs, and the…

Although there have been some arguments against librarians doing research, a growing body of literature finds significant benefits in their research and publication, both for themselves and for their libraries. These include job advancement, personal recognition, improved relationships with teaching faculty, increased responsiveness to change, and…

Compares the philosophy of librarianship in the Soviet Union, where libraries are subordinate to the goals of the Communist party, and Scandinavia, where libraries maintain political neutrality. A brief history of library education in both countries is given and the current state of library education and research is described. (CLB)

Uses a feminist standpoint to correct inaccurate scholarship in curricula, pedagogy, and research in library and information science. Topics include feminist philosophy and its relevance to curricula revision, specific curricula changes, the significance of women's ways of learning to pedagogy, research needs and the role of subjectivity in…

Describes a survey of Wisconsin academic library support staff that explored the effects of computerization of libraries on work and job satisfaction. Highlights include length of employment; time spent at computer terminals; training; computer background; computers as timesavers; influence of automation on effectiveness; and job frustrations.…

Examines the adaptation of a set of library performance measures derived from a UNESCO manual to Swedish libraries. The basic principles of the measurement process and general library objectives are identified, and the difficulties encountered during the study are explained. The Swedish results are compared to the ideal measures presented in the…

Investigates the effects of participatory management techniques advocated by the Public Library Association through a study of long-range planning at four public libraries that focused on staff members' views of the planning process, types and levels of staff participation, and attitudes about the effectiveness and consequences of the planning…

This paper presents data obtained from a questionnaire mailed to 45 library directors of academic libraries in the southeastern United States, as well as discussions of trends and their implications for the future of academic librarianship in the region. Emphasis is placed on knowledge gained via degrees in library science and the applicability of…

This study on the role of instruction in encouraging the successful performance of the first-time online catalog user examined three relationships to evaluate the effects of an instructional program: the comparative effectiveness of four instructional methods in orienting users to the online catalog; the influence of an instruction program on user…

As the originator and administrator of the Village Library Project in Alaska, Kuskokwim Community College commissioned this study to: (1) determine the status quo of the 16 village libraries in the delta area; (2) identify the factors which help determine their success; (3) determine whether they can successfully operate independently without…

Summarizes views presented by three speakers from the Canadian library and information community in a workshop at a joint conference of two professional associations. Topics addressed were the state of research in public, academic, and special libraries; the need for library research; and how to find funding to support research. (CDD)

Reports the methodology and conclusions of a study that examined the research skills of graduate students by analyzing the bibliographies of over 600 master's theses. Presented by academic department, the results include the type of formats used (books, periodicals, etc.), currentness of citations, and possible source of indexing for the journals.…

This paper examines the elements of user studies and presents them as unified concepts within a model of information-seeking behavior. Definitions of information-seeking behavior, information needs, information gathering, information giving, and source preference are discussed. Thirty-two references are cited. (EJS)

Examines current experience and trends in the roles, functions, and activities of today's library directors, based on a survey of directors of large libraries or library systems. A shift in roles, functions, and activities from predominantly internal affairs to an increasing emphasis on external concerns, including technological, economic, and…

Discussion of critical thinking skills focuses on the academic library's role in teaching critical thinking skills based on experiences with a library resources course at Louisiana State University. Teaching techniques are discussed, sample lessons are described, and evaluation of students' research papers and student retention of skills are…