Thirty-Years’ Practice in Libraries: Recollections and Ruminations collects Dr. Chih Wang’s selected research articles, short papers, and reports written during the years when he was a practicing librarian serving in several U.S. academic institutions. These works deal with a variety of topics in library and information science and most of them have appeared in library journals and conference proceedings published in the United States, Europe, and other countries. A few of the selected works were joined by a coauthor.As a collection, the primary purpose of the book is to select, gather, and preserve the related articles, papers, and reports of the author. This volume brings together those general works in the library and information science field and contains a total of 20 papers, which are divided as chapters and grouped into four sections. They are library profession; library administration; electronic publishing, networking, and Internet; and library science research. Section one selects articles relating to the nature, certification, and comparative studies on the library profession. Section two covers those works on automating acquisitions, teaching library skills, and a library survey. Section three involves papers relevant to electronic publishing and networking. The last section includes three works, which were conducted and completed following the processes and methods of social science research. A list of figures and tables of the various chapters follows the table of contents; and an index for quick reference is at the end of the book. Each of the collected papers was prepared as a unique work at a specific time. The data and mechanics presented in each item were specific for the work at the time. The basic concept, organization, research methods, and process of library and information services contained in these works, however, are mostly applicable to the practice and studies in the field despite the change of time and technology. The matter of concern, therefore, must be placed on systems analysis, organization of library skills, and application of system models when the contents of the book are reviewed. In specific, chapter 9 and 10 in section two provide systems analysis for acquisitions and research processes, which should be applicable, with limited revisions, to the analysis for other libraries. Chapters 15 and 16 in section three present the concept and details of information systems. With the advancement of the Internet and the World Wide Web, many ideas of the systems have been realized. Nevertheless, these works may help library professionals review the recent history of how the global information systems are developed. The three articles in the last section demonstrate several statistical analysis tools for social science research. These and other papers recommend a number of topics for further research. The methodology, process, and recommended topics should be particularly useful for replication and further research in the library and information science field. Several articles, particularly chapter 4, 5, and 13, review many historical events of library and information science. With the passing of time, many selected works in the book may also become part of library science history. To the library profession, to understand and to be aware of the various aspects of library development are very important. In fact, Steven Weinberg, the 1979 Nobel Prize winner for physics, recently urged scientists to “learn something about the history of science” or at minimum the history of their own fields. He stressed that “history may be useful for their work; can make their work more worthwhile; and they would get great satisfaction by recognizing that their contributions are a part of history.” (Nature, November 27, 2003,p.389).

Thirty-Years’ Practice in Libraries: Recollections and Ruminations collects Dr. Chih Wang’s selected research articles, short papers, and reports written during the years when he was a practicing librarian serving in several U.S. academic institutions. These works deal with a variety of topics in library and information science and most of them have appeared in library journals and conference proceedings published in the United States, Europe, and other countries. A few of the selected works were joined by a coauthor.As a collection, the primary purpose of the book is to select, gather, and preserve the related articles, papers, and reports of the author. This volume brings together those general works in the library and information science field and contains a total of 20 papers, which are divided as chapters and grouped into four sections. They are library profession; library administration; electronic publishing, networking, and Internet; and library science research. Section one selects articles relating to the nature, certification, and comparative studies on the library profession. Section two covers those works on automating acquisitions, teaching library skills, and a library survey. Section three involves papers relevant to electronic publishing and networking. The last section includes three works, which were conducted and completed following the processes and methods of social science research. A list of figures and tables of the various chapters follows the table of contents; and an index for quick reference is at the end of the book. Each of the collected papers was prepared as a unique work at a specific time. The data and mechanics presented in each item were specific for the work at the time. The basic concept, organization, research methods, and process of library and information services contained in these works, however, are mostly applicable to the practice and studies in the field despite the change of time and technology. The matter of concern, therefore, must be placed on systems analysis, organization of library skills, and application of system models when the contents of the book are reviewed. In specific, chapter 9 and 10 in section two provide systems analysis for acquisitions and research processes, which should be applicable, with limited revisions, to the analysis for other libraries. Chapters 15 and 16 in section three present the concept and details of information systems. With the advancement of the Internet and the World Wide Web, many ideas of the systems have been realized. Nevertheless, these works may help library professionals review the recent history of how the global information systems are developed. The three articles in the last section demonstrate several statistical analysis tools for social science research. These and other papers recommend a number of topics for further research. The methodology, process, and recommended topics should be particularly useful for replication and further research in the library and information science field. Several articles, particularly chapter 4, 5, and 13, review many historical events of library and information science. With the passing of time, many selected works in the book may also become part of library science history. To the library profession, to understand and to be aware of the various aspects of library development are very important. In fact, Steven Weinberg, the 1979 Nobel Prize winner for physics, recently urged scientists to “learn something about the history of science” or at minimum the history of their own fields. He stressed that “history may be useful for their work; can make their work more worthwhile; and they would get great satisfaction by recognizing that their contributions are a part of history.” (Nature, November 27, 2003,p.389).

Guam and Micronesian Libraries: Historical Events, Information Sources, and Others collectsDr. Chih Wang’s selected research articles, short papers, and reports, primarily relating to libraries on Guam and Micronesian islands written during the decade (1989-1998) when he served as dean and professor of library science at the University of Guam (UOG), except the last two articles. Many of the selected works were published in library journals and other sources. Some of the short opinion and marketing papers appeared in Guam local newspapers. As a collection, the primary purpose of the book is to gather and to preserve the author’s articles and papers on Guam and Micronesian libraries in one volume. Containing a total of 19 articles, the book is grouped into three sections: the UOG Library; Guam and Micronesia libraries; and Micronesian information sources and others. As indicated by the headings, section one selects articles, reporting UOG Library activities. A chronology of important events of the Library since its beginning is appended. Section two covers those papers dealing with the overall library activities on Guam and Micronesia. The last section includes two works, describing the contents and activities of the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) at UOG and the Palau National Museum. Chapter 17 is an idea of a Micronesian information system and chapter 18 presents the issues of freedom or security on Internet information. The last chapter is an essay, “Wandering in the Library” to promote libraries and books. Micronesia is a geographic region, covering 2,106 islands with over 1,104 square miles of land area in the northern Pacific Ocean. Guam, a U.S. territory, is the largest single island in the region. On the basis of its strategic location, occupation of a vast geographic area, having a diverse human races and cultures, and covering several independent nations, Micronesia is now recognized as an important region in all aspects of world affairs, such as in international politics, world economy, and anthropological studies. Libraries are always the centers for information, which is the lifeblood, supporting all human activities. The importance of libraries cannot be overemphasized, especially in today’s information age. Because of the influential power of Micronesia in world affairs and because of the significant role of libraries in society, the collected results of Dr. Wang’s research and writing are valuable to the academic world, particularly to the library science field. These works provide useful information for further research and studying on Guam and Micronesian islands. Chapter 14 and 15 are specific information sources of many subject matters pertaining to the studies of the region. The collection may also help librarians, especially those serving on remote islands or rural areas, plan, promote, and administer their library services. More importantly, the collected works record, preserve, and present the major historical events of Guam and Micronesian libraries, especially in chapter 2 and 13. These works will certainly help library professionals and others understand and appreciate the unusual progress Guam and Micronesian libraries in an unusual geographic region have done, notably during the 1990s, the transitional decade to the new millennium. The recent suggestions made by Steven Weinberg would explain the meaning of this passage of library history in the Micronesian region. As the 1979 Nobel Prize winner for physics, Weinberg urged scientists to “learn something about the history of science” or at minimum the history of their own fields. He said:history may be useful for their work; can make their work more worthwhile; and they would get great satisfaction by recognizing that their contributions are a part of history.” (Nature, November 27, 2003, p. 389). The works collected in this book primarily relates to the American-flagged Micronesia. For quick reference, a map, including the essential information pertaining to the political entities in the region, is appended. Also for reference, an index is included at the end of the book.

Guam and Micronesian Libraries: Historical Events, Information Sources, and Others collectsDr. Chih Wang’s selected research articles, short papers, and reports, primarily relating to libraries on Guam and Micronesian islands written during the decade (1989-1998) when he served as dean and professor of library science at the University of Guam (UOG), except the last two articles. Many of the selected works were published in library journals and other sources. Some of the short opinion and marketing papers appeared in Guam local newspapers. As a collection, the primary purpose of the book is to gather and to preserve the author’s articles and papers on Guam and Micronesian libraries in one volume. Containing a total of 19 articles, the book is grouped into three sections: the UOG Library; Guam and Micronesia libraries; and Micronesian information sources and others. As indicated by the headings, section one selects articles, reporting UOG Library activities. A chronology of important events of the Library since its beginning is appended. Section two covers those papers dealing with the overall library activities on Guam and Micronesia. The last section includes two works, describing the contents and activities of the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) at UOG and the Palau National Museum. Chapter 17 is an idea of a Micronesian information system and chapter 18 presents the issues of freedom or security on Internet information. The last chapter is an essay, “Wandering in the Library” to promote libraries and books. Micronesia is a geographic region, covering 2,106 islands with over 1,104 square miles of land area in the northern Pacific Ocean. Guam, a U.S. territory, is the largest single island in the region. On the basis of its strategic location, occupation of a vast geographic area, having a diverse human races and cultures, and covering several independent nations, Micronesia is now recognized as an important region in all aspects of world affairs, such as in international politics, world economy, and anthropological studies. Libraries are always the centers for information, which is the lifeblood, supporting all human activities. The importance of libraries cannot be overemphasized, especially in today’s information age. Because of the influential power of Micronesia in world affairs and because of the significant role of libraries in society, the collected results of Dr. Wang’s research and writing are valuable to the academic world, particularly to the library science field. These works provide useful information for further research and studying on Guam and Micronesian islands. Chapter 14 and 15 are specific information sources of many subject matters pertaining to the studies of the region. The collection may also help librarians, especially those serving on remote islands or rural areas, plan, promote, and administer their library services. More importantly, the collected works record, preserve, and present the major historical events of Guam and Micronesian libraries, especially in chapter 2 and 13. These works will certainly help library professionals and others understand and appreciate the unusual progress Guam and Micronesian libraries in an unusual geographic region have done, notably during the 1990s, the transitional decade to the new millennium. The recent suggestions made by Steven Weinberg would explain the meaning of this passage of library history in the Micronesian region. As the 1979 Nobel Prize winner for physics, Weinberg urged scientists to “learn something about the history of science” or at minimum the history of their own fields. He said:history may be useful for their work; can make their work more worthwhile; and they would get great satisfaction by recognizing that their contributions are a part of history.” (Nature, November 27, 2003, p. 389). The works collected in this book primarily relates to the American-flagged Micronesia. For quick reference, a map, including the essential information pertaining to the political entities in the region, is appended. Also for reference, an index is included at the end of the book.