The Australian Library Journal
volume 49 issue 4
John Levett
If special libraries are disappearing, why are parliamentary libraries surviving? Contradictory currents and changing perceptions
R L Cope
The new information and research orientation of parliamentary libraries, accelerated by the advent of information technology, the changing pattern of parliamentary politics, and new social and economic developments, causes us to ask where they should be placed among special libraries. The author speculates about the prospective role of parliamentary libraries in a society increasingly critical of existing political party realities, politicians, and of Australian public institutions. Contradictions facing parliamentary libraries are pointed out, and the article concludes by suggesting a more clearly differentiated 'special' role for them as part of a parliamentary 'information ecology'. By accepting a wider social responsibility for political communication and political education extending beyond the already richly served parliamentary elite, parliamentary libraries can contribute by way of their information expertise to the evolving concept of participatory democracy in Australia. A wider role for them for them as 'political resource libraries' is also advocated. An appendix briefly reviews the origins of the undervalued heritage collections held by the state parliamentary libraries and suggests what should be done with them under the new circumstances of a parliamentary information ecology.
The role of the public library in a networked environment: a review of the literature
Elizabeth Fielding
As societies become increasingly dependent on sophisticated electronic information exchange, the public library's responsibility to provide equal access to internet resources becomes both more critical and more complex. Public libraries, it is argued, are ideally positioned to make a significant contribution to the national government objective of developing a network literate society which is able to be competitive in global economies. This article is part of a longer literature review submitted in partial fulfilment of a Masters in Library and Information Management degree at Charles Sturt University.
School libraries and special education: an evaluation
Janet Murray
The findings of a four-year study which evaluated school library services to students with disabilities are discussed. Interviews and observation in case-study schools focussed on the relationship between school library staff and special education staff, and the effect this had on school library provision and the acquisition of information skills by disabled students. Results indicated that one of the most important factors in effective service delivery was the culture of the school. Where this facilitated good communication between the school librarian and the special education teacher, with support from the principal, the school library staff were more aware of the needs of disabled students.
Electronic journals: practical suggestions for setting up access
Jane Shelling
This article points out some of the pitfalls but also offers some practical suggestions for setting up electronic journal (e-journals) access from a medical library standpoint. The current trend is for libraries to use aggregators, companies who negotiate with publishers to provide access to particular journals, on behalf of libraries. This method is especially preferred in larger libraries, if however you have a limited collection and budget you may be able to organise your e-journals yourself.
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