Describes the results of a survey that examined the demographics of U.S. and Canadian academic and research librarians. The findings discussed include age, sex, educational background, foreign language proficiency, and professional skills. The need to recruit a wider range of talents and expertise to the profession is also discussed. (CLB)

Examines unionization and job satisfaction among professional librarians in academic research institutions. A comparison of survey results of union and nonunion participants revealed the presence of unions has a negative relationship with job satisfaction; salaries and part-time status are also considered as predictors of job satisfaction.…

A new library in San Jose opened on August 1, 2003. This library is the result of a unique collaboration between San Jose State University Library and the San Jose Public Library. The planning for this new library highlighted merging several key areas of operation, including Government Publications. Several years before the two libraries merged,…

This manuscript reports a study of the secondary-school library. The library, it is claimed, exists first to improve the curriculum, and second, to encourage reading as a leisure-time occupation. The purposes of this investigation are: (1) to list and describe activities and devices used in outstanding secondary-school libraries; (2) to present…

Although librarians in approximately one-third of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) have a rank or status similar to other faculty, their activities, responsibilities and involvement vary considerably. A survey was conducted to determine the autonomy of library faculty organizations and their role in library and university governance, and…

This SPEC kit presents the results of a survey which determined employment practices of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries in 1990 in the areas of cultural diversity, minority recruitment, and affirmative action. Categories surveyed in the area of minority recruitment include hiring activities, advertising available…

This examination of the past and present states of collection development in the research library covers background information, theories, and associated problems. A historical review of methods that have been and are currently being used for collection development includes discussions of the changes imposed by World War II on the practice of…

The purpose of this study was to gather five categories of data on acquisitions librarians in academic libraries: which libraries employ them; their managerial status; their goals; the satisfaction they derive from their work and positions; and their influence on library policies. Two surveys, "Role of the Acquisitions Librarian in University and…

This report summarizes views of government documents librarians interviewed during visits to 17 large research libraries throughout the United States in 1977. Information was gathered to alert the prospective planner of new or remodeled libraries to the special characteristics and problems of government documents collections and some alternative…

Discuses results of a survey of the continuing education needs of science and technology librarians that was conducted by the Science and Technology Section (STS) of the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries). Highlights include instructional techniques; technology; teaching information literacy; and electronic resources. (Author/LRW)

Considers the challenge of leading a research library that is between directors. Discusses issues involved in the transitional period of "acting" directorship. Outlines recommendations for acting directors: seek advice; negotiate well in the beginning; consider the staff; state an objective; build consensus; and consider cautiously the candidacy…

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…

This kit provides 24 essays on book repair: (1) "Conservation at the American Philosophical Society: An Institutional Profile in 1992" (H. Kyle); (2) "The Book Repair Program at Brigham Young University: An Institutional Profile" (R. Silverman); (3) "Book Repair and Conservation: Conservation Center for Art and Historic…

To gather more information on the role of the liaison in research libraries, the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Office of Management Services conducted a survey in 1992 of its academic library members. Completed surveys were returned by 49 libraries. Liaisons in both technical and public services were reported by 59 percent, while 31…

This compilation of documents submitted by various academic and research libraries on library services to the disabled is arranged under six topics. Policy and procedure statements are addressed by Colorado State University and the Universities of Wisconsin at Madison, Connecticut, and Missouri. The University of British Columbia and the…