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The goal of the technology brief is to familiarize library decision-makers with the opportunities and challenges of participatory networks. In order to accomplish this goal the brief is divided into four sections (excluding an overview and a detailed statement of goal): ∎ a conceptual framework for understanding and evaluating participatory networks; ∎ a discussion of key concepts and technologies in participatory networks drawn primarily from Web 2.0 and Library 2.0; ∎ a merging of the conceptual framework with the technological discussion to present a roadmap for library systems development; and ∎ a set of recommendations to foster greater discussion and action on the topic of participatory networks and, more broadly, participatory librarianship. This summary will highlight the discussions in each of these four topics. For consistency, the section numbers and titles from the full brief are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights efforts to automate the federal documents disposition process. Topics mentioned include an overview of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries Disposition Database which is available to select federal depository libraries in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, an overview of the evolution of the disposition process, and details of the "Regional Depository Libraries in the 21st Century: a Time for Change?" report of the Government Publishing Office.

Academic librarians are increasingly expected to advocate for scholarly communications reforms such as open access to scholarly publications, yet librarians do not always practice what they preach. Previous research examined librarian attitudes toward open access, whereas this article presents results of a study of open access publishing and self-archiving behaviors of academic librarians. Following an analysis of open access to library and information science literature in 2008, several strategies to encourage academic librarians to continue to embrace open access behaviors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research which examined the working relationship between systems, information technology and reference, as well as information services staff in an academic library setting. The need for enhanced communication was cited often by respondents as a way to improve the relationship. According to the author, frustration seems to happen when reference staff report a problem. Hence, preventing the occurrence of frustration will help lessen reference anxiety of information technology work processes.

The article focuses on literature surveys and research about the early practice of reader's advisory for youth. It attempts to describe key events in the history of library services to young adults, and offers biographic accounts of leading figures in youth services. The authors stresses that glancing at the history of how reader’s advisory for youth began, bids a thought-provoking perspective on professional aims in reading guidance. Furthermore, dramatic statements about reading as a possible harm to young people may seem foreign now, but represent a key legacy of early professional services. Views and analyses of the author regarding the matter are presented.

This research study assesses preservation education provided by academic institutions in North America. Educators teaching preservation in graduate library and information science programs were surveyed about the type and number of courses offered, content of preservation coursework, faculty resources, future plans for curricula, fieldwork and internship opportunities in preservation, and postgraduate employment data. The investigators hypothesize that current preservation education within traditional library and archival studies programs does not provide adequate preparation in the areas of technical and managerial expertise to deal with the preservation of digital collections, audiovisual media, or visual materials. This paper reviews the literature pertinent to study of preservation education, describes the research methodology employed in designing and conducting the survey, presents the resulting data, and analyzes the trends revealed by the data in order to understand more fully the goals and objectives of preservation education during the last decade and to gauge future directions of the field. This paper concludes by presenting plans for further research, which will expand upon initial findings of this survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of challenges facing collection development. It considers the evolving nature of collections and the main players in the information exchange process as well as outlines six key challenges intended to inform discussions at the Janus Conference, held in October 2005. These challenges can serve as catalyst for further discussion in the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the laws of library science according to writers Shiyali Ramainrita Ranganathan. The law known as save the time of the reader requires librarians to provide readers efficient access to materials and services. On the other hand, the law known as the library is a growing organism implies that libraries are growing by broadening and deepening their collections. Therefore, it is important that libraries expand and rework their physical spaces by building beautiful new libraries.

The article focuses on the 2005-2006 annual report of the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services. The report is directed on their efforts and accomplishments in the areas of education, collaboration through active involvement in policy formulation, publication, and organization. Accordingly, the Association is dedicated to working and responding to all matters related to the selection, identification, acquisition, organization, management, retrieval, and preservation of recorded knowledge.