Discusses the historical foundations of memory and knowledge systems in sixteenth-century Europe and offers insights into the current situation and where our knowledge systems are bound. The development of hypersystems and a new approach to research librarianship are considered. (13 references) (MES)

Describes ways in which collection development at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries has been affected by the libraries' position within a museum context. The discussion covers the adoption by the libraries of a nomenclature that applies to management of museum objects collections and their capitalization on allied interests in such areas as…

Historical review covers: (1) the rise of research and research libraries, 1850-1900; (2) the genesis of reference service, 1875-95; (3) the growth of reference service in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (4) reference practices in the research libraries, 1896-1916; (5) legislative and municipal reference work, 1900-16; and (6) current trends…

Intended to contribute to a better understanding of research library development in the United States, this report describes the history of the development of the library of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin from 1904 to 1918. It is based on records of the relationships between three principals--John R. Commons and Richard T. Ely (members…

This illustrated publication, printed in both English and Finnish, describes Finland's libraries and information services. Topics covered include: (1) library users; (2) the conceptual role of the library; (3) the growth and development of the library system through Finland's agrarian, industrial, and budding infotech social phases; (4) the…

Discusses scientific creationism and the issues it poses for teachers and librarians. Briefly reviews early selection and editorial practices regarding human genetic evolution followed in the first six editions of the "Children's Catalog." (SR)

Recent work in both the history of education and the influence of popular culture suggests that libraries can be studied as sites where the public is taught--through a variety of mechanisms--important lessons about communication, knowledge and society. Researchers have addressed the interpretive question of whether literacy is tied to progress and…

Through a comparison of the historical perspectives of medieval and modern libraries, this paper is designed to clarify the purpose and goals of the library, and to promote a public and intellectual debate to guide future developments. The Middle Ages were chosen because libraries possessed an importance and centrality to learning, civilization,…

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)

Although a review of the literature on the instructional role of the media specialists reveals a pattern of progression from 1950 to 1984, analysis of the research in this area indicates a time lag between actual practice and the instructional role espoused by the standards and the literature. (EM)

This study develops a chronological summary of the relationship between the development of library service in North Carolina--particularly public library service--and the State Library and the North Carolina Library Commission. The study was the first step in a long-range planning enterprise (to the year 2000) which encompasses not only…

This document is based on transcripts of recorded informal interviews with: (1) selected senior professors in the library schools at Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw (Poland); (2) the director and a member of the Books and Readers Institute of the National Polish Libraries; and (3) a group of Polish librarians and students in the field. The report…

This publication brings together for the first time in a single volume the status of public library standards in the United States. Based on a master's thesis submitted to the Department of Library Science at The Catholic University of America by Mrs. Marian Magg, the study has been brought up to date and also expanded. This bulletin provides not…

During the last decade, research has become increasingly important to the profession of librarianship. Seven library schools now have doctoral programs, foundation grants have stimulated and supported scores of major projects, and the research method has been recognized as an accepted technique for solving library problems. The increasing volume…

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…