Examines what differences libraries and librarians make, primarily from the perspective of geographical communities. States reasons why this is an essential research issue and describes contributions of current public library planning tools to the determination of impact. Examines the framework that is essential for the intellectual development of…

Discussion of history as a major research methodology in library and information science highlights the current status and nature of library history; rhetoric and history; historical significance of local history and larger perspectives; primary and secondary information sources; library biography; and publishing library history. Thirty-four…

Offers definitions for four general categories of research--practical, bibliographical, scholarly, scientific--and discusses connections of research to librarianship, the introduction of scientific research methodology in librarianship, activities related to scientific research, users of research, faculty status, professional organizations and…

This review of library reference service research, which focuses on the provision of information in response to questions, covers measurement of reference service, evaluation using unobtrusive techniques, online search services, information needs and uses, the process of asking and answering questions, and artificial intelligence. Eighty-four…

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…

Visual information is not yet in common usage among librarians. It is hoped that the term will be adopted by the information profession at large as new areas of research develop which depend largely on nonverbal documents. A decision must be made as to which forms of visual information will be needed for--scholarly and scientific use. (Author/AP)

Contrasts the kinds of staff members found in metropolitan libraries during the past 20 years with the staff needed for the mid-1970's. (Author/PF)

Looks at a seminal article by Arthur McAnally and Robert Downs on the changing role of the university library director to determine whether the changes they outlined in 1973 are still valid. Additional sources of strife for university library directors are described, and requirements for today's library directors are discussed. (Contains five…

Discusses the results of a study investigating the similarities between information jobs in university computing centers and research libraries. Findings show a strong relationship between some computing and library jobs, suggesting the creation of a single information job family in classification systems. (15 references) (EA)

Strategies for designing effective professional development programs for research librarians are discussed, focusing on competencies of librarians and benefits to the organization. An internship model that outlines necessary components in the context of quality management and effectiveness is offered. (26 references) (EA)

Outlines issues of concern in the management of nonlibrarian professionals in research libraries, argued to be significantly different from the management of professional librarians. Differing professional value systems, conflicts and tension that can arise, and organizational teamwork are discussed with a focus on effective reward structures. (15…