Discusses the relevance of communication, meaning, and identity in putting information work into a cultural context. The process of information seeking is discussed, the mediation of communication formats and devices in determining meaning is described, and implications for information specialists are suggested. (11 references) (LRW)

Discussion of the definition of a profession focuses on the definition of information professionals. Seven illustrative information careers are described, the importance of judgment in information professions is emphasized, ethics are considered, and implications for the education of an information professional are suggested. (three references)…

Discusses a variety of topics and their implications for library and information science professionals and their education. Highlights include the nature of science; contingency theories; the assumptions of sociology; the approach of symbolic interaction; recent scholarship on organizations; and the advantages of qualitative research methods.…

Discusses the concept of audiographics to support distance education in library and information science. On-campus and off-campus student attitudes and perceptions toward the technology used in a graduate information and communication technology course are compared. Both groups found audiographics to be beneficial, though off-campus students…

Thirty postgraduate librarianship students learned about PRECIS indexing using a system that responds as flexibly and intelligently as a human expert to natural language queries. Interactions were logged and analyzed. The evidence obtained supports the notion that individuals employ distinct strategies when interacting with information sources in…

Describes a pilot project to develop and test a method for determining whether DAPPOR, a computer-assisted instruction drill program, and a print drill program produce a measurable difference in test scores of students learning the DIALOG command language. Recommendations for full-scale research and for modifying DAPPOR are provided. (Contains 17…

Presents the results of a study of graduate-level library school students to determine the types of errors that appeared on original cataloging copy by entry-level catalogers. Records were analyzed for any errors affecting access, including description, headings, encoding of MARC format, capitalization, and punctuation. Types and percentages of…

Discusses the need for multiculturalism to be a part of the library science curriculum to prepare librarians for work in culturally diverse societies and library environments. Reports results of a library school survey on the issue of multiculturalism as it relates to curriculum modification or revision. The survey's questionnaire is appended.…

Measures classification and subject cataloging errors in entry-level copy cataloging done by 20 library school students. Discusses the need to educate and train students on the importance of using subject-heading cataloging tools to create records. Explains the connection between classification, subject cataloging, and subject access by library…

Outlines the historical development of Australian cataloging education. Examines changes made in three cataloging courses to obtain balances between cataloging theory and practice. Summarizes the opinions of librarians, library students, and educators on the proportions of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and personal attributes helpful in…

Examines five instructional design theories and two emerging theoretical trends that are valuable to library and information science education. Describes the basic components of these theories and trends and discusses their applications in designing and implementing instruction in library and information science education and practice. (JMV)

Discussion of monographic acquisitions in academic research libraries focuses on a study that employed descriptive methodology to analyze changes in collecting patterns between 1985 and 1989 in the aggregated resources base of 72 Association of Research Libraries members. Recommendations for further research are suggested. (Author/LRW)

Discusses library historians, publishing, and tenure requirements for library educators. Topics include problems in conducting research; the need for library history; the publishing industry; disciplinary insularity versus interdisciplinary study; and 10 guidelines for untenured research novices. (LRW)

Presents a brief history of doctoral programs in library and information science (LIS) and reviews the purpose of the Ph.D. degree; the types of research involved; the curricula of LIS doctoral programs; and current trends in LIS research, including qualitative, interdisciplinary, and technology-based research. (Author/LRW)

Discusses mentoring in library schools based on experiences with the Alumni Board at the Catholic University of America (Washington, DC). Highlights include career guidance, encouragement during the academic program, advice on course and field work, and opportunities to make professional contacts. (LRW)