1986 Final Exams Questions

November 24, 1986

1. Library networks have become increasingly important during the last ten years. Describe and evaluate the developments which have taken place during this period. What innovations would you expect over the next few years given current research and development?

2. The generation and distribution of most information is subsidized in some way. Identify and discuss the ways in which these subsidies influence library collections, services and users.

3. What influences do the standards and practices of bibliographic control exert over the storage and-retrieval of information?

4. Describing a recent court decision regarding the required classroom use of certain textbooks in Tennessee schools, a columnist for The Washington Post observed that "the decision is that parents' and pupils' First Amendment rights to 'free-exercise' of religion is unconstitutionally 'burdened' if pupils are exposed to instructional materials distressingly at odds with their religious beliefs." He points out that the judge said, "The plaintiffs have sincerely held religious beliefs which are entitled to protection under the law." Discuss the ways in which this decision relates to the ALA Library Bill of Rights (copy attached).

5. A knowledge of the principles and functions of management can be helpful to new employees in an organization even though they are not managers. Discuss this concept with specific illustrations of how an employee might benefit from such knowledge.

July 21, 1986

1. Planning and control are two of the major functions of management. Describe both of these functions emphasizing the elements of each and discuss the relationship which exists between them.

2. Information technology of the 1980's has a potential to greatly affect individuals' ability to get access to information, in both positive and negative ways. Using a specific information technology as an example, discuss the positive and negative effects this technology might have on individual access to information.

3. For nearly two decades libraries have been under unusual economic pressure (stable or declining funding, combined with rapidly growing costs). Discuss the positive and negative impact of these economic conditions on libraries.

4. As with most professions, librarians have frequently been criticized for not incorporating significant research results into professional practice. In your judgement, why is it that research findings seldom have a direct impact on professional practice? What recommendations can you offer that might make research better utilized by the profession at large? Discuss.

5. What have libraries generally done in recent years to convert traditionally non-users into users of their services? To what extent have these attempts been successful and why?

April 21, 1986

1. A knowledge of the principles and functions of management can be helpful to new employees in an organization even though they are not managers. Discuss this concept with specific illustrations of how an employee might benefit.

2. Information storage, manual and computerized, refers to processes and aspects such as cataloging, subject indexing and abstracting, classification, data base structure, and file indexing. Discuss how information storage affects retrieval with regard to at least three of the processes and/or aspects above. Use examples where appropriate. Discuss, also, from the perspective of the information searcher, how you would change or modify current methods of information storage in order to improve retrieval.

3. Identify and describe the essential aspects of a written collection development policy for an academic, public, school or special library.

4. Recently a library director asked candidates for a vacant position to respond to the following situation: A patron complains vehemently about a children's book dealing with sex because it condones the practice of masterbation for teenagers. As the supervisor of the children's section you gather the book reviews on this title and find that it has received very positive reviews. You, therefore, determine that the book should remain on the shelf. The patron, however, pressures the director into removing the book. You disagree strongly with the director's decision on the grounds that it violates professional principles. What should you do? Outline your course of action and provide your justification for it.

5. What is the role and possible risks of libraries regarding such controversial situations as those related to Libya and Nicaragua.