Critically acclaimed since its inception, "Advances in Librarianship" continues to be the essential reference source for developments in the field of libraries and library science. Articles published in the serial have won national prizes, such as the Blackwell North America Scholarship Award for the outstanding 1994 monograph, article, or original paper in the field of acquisitions, collection, development, and related areas of resource development. All areas of public, college, university, primary and secondary schools, and special libraries are given up-to-date, critical analysis by experts engaged in the practice of librarianship, in teaching, and in research.

The 30th volume of Advances in Librarianship acknowledges changes in the profession over three and a half decades, while continuing a tradition of identifying new trends and innovations. The contributing authors were invited especially to celebrate the history of the past thirty-six years by reflecting, as appropriate, on advances made in their topic since the first volume of the series was published in 1970.
The twelve chapters in this volume can be loosely grouped into four sections reflecting basic themes in librarianship: tracing issues in communication: relevance and freedom of expression; focusing on library services and resources; tailoring services to different user groups; and educating the profession for the future. Together these offer a milestone in the retrospective view of advances in librarianship.
*Examines changes and developments over the past three decades
*Four sections: Tracing issues in communication: Relevance and Freedom of Expression, Focusing on library services and resources, Tailoring services to different user groups, and Educating the profession for the future