How do individuals in our country converse about thorny political matters? We know that these kinds of discussions can be fraught, but there are ways that the conversations can be thoughtful and civil. In this book, ways to ensure civil conversations are explored deeply. A major thrust of the book is that the library (writ large) can be the locus for informed conversations, typified by evidence and truth. We begin with a description of the library--what it is, what purposes it can serve, what contributions it can make to civil discourse. As we will see, the theme of liberty runs throughout the commentary. Another chapter explores what discourse is, how discourse theory can inform civil conversations, and what kinds of discursive practices achieve the goal of civility. This is, admittedly, a tall order, but it is absolutely necessary to fulfill the promise of the book. The chapter further presents examples of topics that are components of political conversations today, as well as substantive sources that can inform those conversations. The final chapter returns to the library. The spirit and substance of providing a venue for civil conversation are discussed at some length. The conclusion presents how the library can be the exemplar for civil conversation. The audience for the book is not limited to librarians, but extends to all who are interested in, and committed to, reasoned discussion of the political issues that divide us today. Examples of topics of conversation conclude the last chapter. The purpose is to illustrate just how the fraught topics can be discussed in a civil and considered manner. The ultimate purpose of the book is to present a realistic manner by which political conversations can take place, fostered by libraries.

This book addresses some of the most pressing issues in library and information science. It offers informed insight and perspectives on six essential and timely questions facing the profession: *What is information? *What is information literacy? *What roles do academic libraries play in higher education today? *How can we effectively educate librarians? *What are the ethical and moral bases of the library and information professions? *What is the future of librarianship? Written by John M. Budd, one of librarianship's most-respected educators and the author of twelve previous books, and copublished with Beta Phi Mu, the International Honor Society for librarianship, this is sure to become one of profession's most talked-about books.

Is higher education in crisis? There are certainly some serious problems facing colleges and universities today. This book examines the internal and external problems facing higher education and offers some specific recommendations-addressing such issues as tenure, curriculum, administration, and funding-that are necessary for the fullest realization of purpose. There has always been a pressing need for intellectual integrity. Faculty and administrators must be honest and truthful and must embrace a unifying purpose that applies to all of higher education. Teaching, learning, and inquiry should come first on every campus. Moreover, these actions should be accomplished through a search for knowledge and truth in just institutions.

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The purpose of this book is to examine the library and the librarian as they communicate with their raison d'etre, the user. Drawing from several literatures--those of communication, information theory, philosophy and linguistics--John M. Budd furthers the discussion of the communication process as it relates to libraries and librarians. Also investigated are various models, which are designed to describe a number of aspects of the communications process. The utility of these models in studying the library is covered extensively. This is especially useful in trying to determine dysfunction regarding the use of libraries and access to information. Noise, a particularly disruptive force, is investigated, including a look at how libraries and librarians create noise. Budd reviews some of the ways various schools of thought look at libraries, information and communication. He then focuses on information, its relationship to the library, and its rate of growth. The dynamics of communications as a process is discussed and examined vis-a-vis the library.

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What makes us librarians? What is it we do that is indispensable? John Budd joins an august group of library-science luminaries, such as Pierce Butler, Jesse Shera, and Michael Gorman, whose works and example invite professional and critical self-examination. Here, Budd challenges us to confront the uneasy truth of whether libraries still represent people's will and intellect, or the cabalistic enclaves of an old guard? Through intellectually rich and engaging entrees into ethics, democracy, social responsibility, governance, and globalization, he makes the case that librarians who fail to grasp the importance of their heritage will never truly respond to societal change or the needs of the individual user.

This landmark work traces the heritage of thought, from the beginnings of modern science in the seventeenth century, until today, that has influenced the profession of library and information science.