Addresses the issue of epistemology and library and information science by considering Michel Foucault's essay "La Bibliotheque Fantastique" which is a work of literary criticism rather than a scientific analysis. Highlights include implications of the positivist perspective for conceptualizing the modern library experience; and an…

Argues that the library profession should separate rhetoric from rights in the Library Bill of Rights to create two documents: a true Bill of Rights including only those principles demanded by the U.S. Constitution, and a Statement of Philosophy based on the American Library Association's (ALA) Code of Ethics. Contains the ALA Code of Ethics. (PEN)

Examines the interconnected careers of four women of New England origin, Caroline Hewins, Anne Carroll Moore, Alice Jordan, and Bertha Mahony, for their individual accomplishments and their collective influence in developing the fields of library service to children and children's literature. Topics include literary criticism, writing, leadership…

Discusses three philosophical positions taken by librarians regarding Holocaust denial literature in library collections: inclusion, exclusion, and inclusion with labeling as inaccurate. Concludes that librarians should not undertake the role of arbiters of truth but should responsibly and intelligently build collections that provide access to…

Argues that the Library Bill of Rights aims to codify First Amendment doctrine and the interests of librarians but falls short. Law allows distinctions between government and private action and reaffirms the discretion of decision makers. The Library Bill of Rights, as shown in discussion of several court decisions, is often far more rigid.…