Search

The editor announces that this issue is the last issue for the year 2022 and a new product named "Booklist Reader" was launched, which is now being shared by many libraries digitally. He reveals that "Booklist Reader" in print will be launched in January 2023. He also states that the goal of the publication is to be the collection development and readers' advisory companion for library workers and library visitors and spark imagination, new ideas, and the pure joy of reading and listening.

The author reflects on the emotional component of implementing research data management services in libraries. Several factors to negative reaction to data management include lack of funding, lack of time to accommodate change and lack of technological solutions. She explains how the use of active listening skills can help minimize negative emotions during data management consultations with library reference staff and library users.

The article highlights ways to integrate the services of a library to make it easier to use for library patrons. Using a library should be easy. Patrons with simple needs should not have to navigate through dozens of databases to find what they want. If they locate something in a citation database that needs to be requested through interlibrary loan, they should not be required to enter the information by hand into a separate form. Improved technology and vendor support for standards that allow systems to talk with each other has made seamless access to a wide variety of services a reality in many libraries already. It takes relatively little effort to let patrons find issues of electronic journals in a catalog, link database citations to the full text or to interlibrary loan system. Staff members do not want to change the address or other patron information in more than one system. Other objectives are not clear because different types of users may have competing interests and abilities. Some of the services that libraries want to integrate may not support a good mechanism for automatically sharing information with other systems. Some database may want substantially higher license fees because of the increased usage they expect from being included in a metasearch.

The article describes the job of library's system administrators. Librarians who serve as systems administrators are never without a long list of tasks on their to-do lists, and every one of those tasks is a top priority. There are suggestions for system improvements from both staff members and library patrons, all with different opinions on the "right" system design. Another site that can help the busy systems administrator keep up with network security and digital privacy is Vitalsecurity.org. This nonprofit organization's goal is to disseminate the latest information on developments in the online world.

Reports on the impact that AIDS has had on the library profession. Attitudes within the profession toward AIDS, HIV-positive people, and ARC (AIDS Related Complex) disease; Losses within the library profession due to AIDS; View that there is inadequate information for library users and staff; Obstacles to overcoming AIDS in the workplace; Comments from library employees on AIDS. INSETS: A personal note;Resolution on Freedom from AIDS Screening for Library Employees.

Discusses the professional responsibilities of librarians in acquiring books for library collections. Thoughts on how the decisions of some librarians may be affected by the opinions of library users; Challenges facing academic librarians who may be pressured by faculty to purchase certain publications; The impact of Phil Donahue and Oprah Winfrey on library acquisitions decisions; Reflection on the expertise of librarians in purchasing books in public and academic libraries; Argument that librarians must be able to define and explain the purpose of the library in order to build a collection for it.

This article offers technical tips for librarians. As library resources become more technology-dependent, patrons expect support in accessing and using trusted resources--even when a problem exists on their end. Even smaller public libraries can reach out in a number of ways to provide technology help to their patrons--by partnering with other local institutions, by creating or borrowing lists of useful resources, and by providing all staff with step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting common problems. The MaintainIT Project's "The Joy of Computing" offers some useful guidelines for recruiting and effectively using technical volunteers as well as invaluable advice on maintaining public access computers.

The article focuses on California School Library Association's (CSLA) new document "Standards and Guidelines for Strong School Libraries." In school librarianship graduate preparation, several standards must be addressed, the foremost one being the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) Library Media Teacher Standards. To be accredited by the commission, each Library Media Teacher Services Credential program must show capacity to prepare its candidates and evidence of success. Since the Library Media Teacher Services Credential builds on a basic teaching credential, the standards for those credentials must also be met by candidates. Rather than teaching strictly to the California School Library Association standards, school library educators are more likely to teach with them, the idea being that the CSLA document is another tool for successful implementation of library media programs; it is not the end in itself. To structure content such that credential candidates have several opportunities to learn and demonstrate the CCTC library media teacher standards, most school library educators think in terms of individual course design.

The article discusses the role of libraries in an increasingly information technology-dependent. The author outlines major issues that librarians should address including improving services for library users, highlighting and reinforcing the status of librarians as professionals and making library use an enjoyable for all. She emphasized that librarians should change their view of librarianship as a helping profession, and instead focus on the user.

Presents readers' views regarding libraries and library science in the U.S. Interpretation of societal trends that suggest the needs of library users; Elimination of courtesy titles among library staff; Professional status of librarians.