This study examines college libraries so as to determine whether or not they have successfully adapted to reforms at their colleges, based on Terry O'Banion's concept of the learning-college. Although numerous studies exist documenting the transformation of community colleges to the learning-college concept, few empirical studies have clarified…

This article reports on doctoral research which explored the meaning and role of information literacy among a specific group of workers--firefighters. An alternative concept of information literacy and a broader definition of information literate people are introduced. The article suggests that librarians are currently bound by an educational…

Enthusiasm for and a commitment to literature are the essential tools needed to successfully promote the enriching, challenging, and thought-provoking world of books. This paper focuses on the promotion of literature inside the classroom, inside the library, and in the wider community. Programs at Methodist Ladies' College (Australia), a boarding…

This paper presents results from a 1992 survey of library media specialists in southeastern Kentucky, focusing on technological resources available in library media centers and the media specialists' perceptions of their roles and the future as affected by the Kentucky Educational Reform Act. Results indicated that the four most widely available…

In order to fulfill the mission of the school library media program and to ensure that the program is an integral part of the instructional program of the total school, the school library media specialist functions in three specific roles: (1) information specialist; (2) teacher; and (3) collaborative instructional partner. These roles are…

This book examines the professional and political ideology that informed and sustained the Public Library Inquiry--an inquiry conceived in the late 1940s to study and document the conditions, achievements, and weaknesses of public libraries and librarianship. This book explores the consistencies, contradictions, and assumptions inherent within the…

A survey was conducted in January 1997 to determine security issues of Ohio public libraries. The survey was distributed to 100 libraries of differing sizes with a 70% completion rate. The following questions were asked: (1) Do you believe that security is a problem at your library? (2) Do you believe that mutilation of periodicals is a problem at…

After the position of career education (CE) coordinator was eliminated from the Arlington, Virginia, Public Schools budget for 1998 and 1999, two surveys were conducted to determine the status of CE in local public schools. The first survey was sent to all 37 principals in the district (response rate, 68%). The second survey, which was sent to…

Explores the legal ramifications of malpractice among librarians and the possible impact on services due to fear of being sued. Topics include identification of potential malpractice areas; cooperative electronic reference services; use of reference standards; insurance; contract; disclaimer; updating library collections; using Internet resources;…

Discusses the applicability of for-profit customer service concepts to nonprofit library public service. Highlights include 10 elements of successful library customer service for children and youth; creating appropriate physical environments; understanding the customer; body language; organizational restrictions on staff; customer feedback;…

Presents an interview with American Library Association award winner and children's librarian Jane Botham covering such issues as library relations with the community, relations with other agencies, dealing with reactions to controversial books, library staffing, developing children's appreciation for the library, and children's need for adult…

Discusses policies and attitudes prevalent in public libraries that encourage female users and discourage male users. The lack of technical books that may appeal more to men is examined, the lack of appropriate reviews is described, subconscious classism is suggested, and differences in fiction preferences are discussed. (two references) (LRW)

Describes a districtwide project to provide elementary school children with flexible library access. The importance of flexible access, factors leading to project success, how the project was sold to librarians and principals, project problem solving, and lessons learned during the project's first year are discussed. (Contains seven references.)…

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 first of three consecutive articles examines trends for the future that emphasize libraries expanding their role in the community and individuals becoming more involved. Discusses the library as the community center for civic renewal, library as navigator, and library as coalition builder. Presents comments from librarians on reasons for and…