Imagine, if you will, that the year 2010 has arrived, and that many of the wonderful things that librarians worked so hard for in the last half of the twentieth century have come…
Abstract
Imagine, if you will, that the year 2010 has arrived, and that many of the wonderful things that librarians worked so hard for in the last half of the twentieth century have come to pass. Libraries of all types, large and small, are linked through a network of automated systems, providing total bibliographic access to the holdings of every library. Better still, patrons now receive items in hours or days through a combination of telefacsimile and ultrafast delivery. To the users, each library has become a gateway to all resources held by all libraries, and library information services are “location transparent,” that is, the patron has little awareness of where a piece of information may in fact have come from—it may be from a library across the street or from one across the country.
The chapter provides a library “state of the state,” discussing the issues, trends, and myths that shape the current library environment in the United States. It cites data from…
Abstract
The chapter provides a library “state of the state,” discussing the issues, trends, and myths that shape the current library environment in the United States. It cites data from the American Library Association's State of America's Libraries (2010d) report. Issues discussed include library usage, library funding, the adaptation of new technologies, the profession of librarianship, the struggle to preserve public access to information, and the future prospects of libraries. The chapter discusses each of these issues in relation to public, academics, and school libraries, citing comparative data on funding and the adoption of new technologies for each type of library. Acknowledging that reality to libraries is not technological, but perceptual and political, discussion focuses on the growing role of advocacy and specific strategies that have proven successful in securing and/or preserving support for libraries. A number of commonly held myths are also examined, many of which are detrimental to libraries or inhibit our ability to respond to the issues and trends that are affecting libraries. The author concludes with some observations about the historic development of libraries, their continuing relevance in an era of rapid technological change, the need to look beyond short-term concerns and to closely examine and/or reject popular myths as we create libraries of the future.
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With the dramatic expansion of information and of library users' need to access that information, cooperative collection development has become an increasingly attractive option…
Abstract
With the dramatic expansion of information and of library users' need to access that information, cooperative collection development has become an increasingly attractive option. Debate in this area has recently been enriched by the simultaneous publication of articles by Ross Atkinson and David H. Stam. Against a vast background of literature already accumulated, we now have what might be considered a state‐of‐the‐art basis for further discussions.
Jeanine M. Scaramozzino and Julia Gelfand
To report on the ACRL 13th National Conference held March 29–April 1, 2007 in Baltimore, MD.
Abstract
Purpose
To report on the ACRL 13th National Conference held March 29–April 1, 2007 in Baltimore, MD.
Design/methodology/approach
Provides an overview of the conference and reviews of specific events.
Findings
Outimes the pre‐conference events and four limited presentations.
Originality/value
A conference report of interest to academic and research librarians and information professionals about issues related to and trends in academic libraries and librarians.
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Ian Winship, Phil Bradley, Anne L Barker and David Salter
Lets start with the praise. In many ways this is an excellent book to give LIS professionals some essential background knowledge about the Net to help in using it and in advising…
Purpose – The purpose of this chapter is to explore the ways in which bachelor’s degree programs in library and information studies can support and enhance Master of Library…
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this chapter is to explore the ways in which bachelor’s degree programs in library and information studies can support and enhance Master of Library Science (MLS) and Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs.
Approach – The history of undergraduate library degrees is examined, followed by a brief discussion of the current landscape of library education. Finally, five ways in which library and information science (LIS) undergraduate programs can revitalize the MLS/MLIS are addressed and analyzed.
Findings – Bachelor of Science in Library Science degrees can impact the MLS/MLIS degree in five discrete ways. Undergraduate programs can interest student in future information work, allow for more specialization in graduate programs, allow paraprofessionals to advance their library education, support rural libraries, and can lead to more rigorous MLS/MLIS curricula.
Value – As libraries and library education are in transition, undergraduate LIS degree programs have the potential to transform LIS education as a whole.