This book provides information science students and librarians the background and techniques they need to meet the challenges of the library profession today. The book begins with a discussion of the practice of librarianship and the place of libraries within the broader perspective of the information superstructure. Topics covered include the development of information science, the growth of information technologies, information policy in libraries, intellectual organization of libraries (from classification to databases), the mission of libraries from past to present, and ethical aspects and principles between information providers and clients. This contemporary work offers a systematic review of central issues and trends, including increasing the interaction with political, economic, technological, and social forces. A detailed look at the various types of libraries (public, academic, school, and special), their internal functions, and the major challenges they face is also provided. Chapters include: (1) "The Information Infrastructure: Libraries in Context"; (2) "Information Science: A Service Perspective"; (3) "Redefining the Library: The Impacts and Implications of Technological Change"; (4) "Information Policy: Stakeholders and Agendas"; (5) "Information Policy as Library Policy: Intellectual Freedom"; (6) "Information Organization: Issues and Techniques"; (7) "From Past to Present: The Library's Mission and its Values"; (8) "Ethics and Standards: Professional Practices in Library and Information Science"; (9) "The Library as Institution: An Organizational View"; and (10) "Librarianship: An Evolving Profession." Extensive lists of selected readings and appendixes include: "Association of Research Libraries Statement on Intellectual Property"; "White House Conference on Library and Information Services Priority Recommendations"; "Principles for Developments of the National Information Infrastructure"; "A Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Electronic Learners"; "Accredited Master's Programs in Library and Information Studies in the U.S. and Canada"; "Major Periodicals, Indexes, Encyclopedias and Dictionaries in Library and Information Science"; "Summary of Major Library and Information Science Associations and a List of Additional Associations"; "Overview of Librarianship from the "Occupational Outlook Handbook"; and"Selected Library and Information Science Listservs and Discussion Groups." An index is included. (AEF)