What is Library Journal and what is its primary audience?

Library Journal is an American trade publication specifically designed for librarians. It serves as a professional resource within the library community, reporting on news and developments relevant to the field.

Who founded Library Journal, and in what year was it established?

Library Journal was founded by Melvil Dewey in the year 1876. Dewey was a prominent figure in the library science field.

How frequently is Library Journal published?

The publication is issued 20 times per year, indicating a consistent and frequent output of content for its readership.

What types of content does Library Journal typically feature?

It reports on news concerning the library world, with a particular focus on public libraries. Additionally, it includes feature articles discussing various aspects of professional library practice and reviews of materials and equipment relevant to libraries.

What is the "Star Libraries" program, and when did it begin?

The Star Libraries program, initiated by Library Journal in 2008, assesses public libraries and awards them stars based on their performance and services. This program helps highlight outstanding libraries across different categories.

What is the "Library Journal Book Review" section known for?

The "Library Journal Book Review" section is recognized for providing pre-publication reviews of a significant number of popular and academic books each month. This allows librarians to stay informed about upcoming titles before they are widely released.

How does Library Journal's circulation compare to other librarianship journals, according to Ulrich's?

According to Ulrich's, Library Journal boasts the highest circulation among all librarianship journals, with approximately 100,000 copies distributed. This indicates its wide reach and influence within the profession.

Can you trace the ownership history of Library Journal from its founding to the present?

Library Journal was initially published by Frederick Leypoldt, whose company later became R. R. Bowker. Reed Elsevier acquired Bowker in 1985 and published the journal until 2010, when it was sold to Media Source Inc., the current owner.

What was the initial self-declared purpose of Library Journal upon its founding?

Upon its founding in 1876, Library Journal declared itself to be the official organ of the library associations of America and the United Kingdom, positioning itself as a central voice for librarians in these regions.

What was the original title of the publication, and when was it changed?

The publication's original title was American Library Journal. The word "American" was removed from the title after the first year of publication, suggesting a potential broadening of its scope or audience.

What were the primary subjects discussed in the early issues of Library Journal?

Early issues focused on the growth and development of libraries, with articles covering topics such as cataloging, indexing, and the implementation of lending schemes. These were foundational topics for the emerging library profession.

Who were some of the prominent figures who contributed to Library Journal in its early years, and what were their contributions?

Prominent early contributors included R. R. Bowker, who discussed cataloging principles; Charles Cutter, who developed ideas for his Cutter Expansive Classification system; and managing editor Melvil Dewey, who made recommendations for early library circulation systems. These individuals were key innovators in library science.

How did Library Journal handle book reviews in its early stages, and what was the initial scope?

Initially, Library Journal did not review books unless they were directly related to the professional interests of librarians. However, it did feature advertisements from publishers recommending their forthcoming books for library acquisition, serving as an early form of collection development support.

What was the function of the "Notes and Queries" section in early Library Journal issues?

The "Notes and Queries" section served as a platform for librarians to share practical solutions to common library problems and to engage in an exchange of questions and answers regarding authorship and reader's advisory services. This fostered a collaborative problem-solving environment.

According to an 1878 prospectus, what benefit did reading Library Journal offer to smaller libraries?

The 1878 prospectus stated that small libraries, in particular, could gain the "costly experience and practical advice" of the largest libraries by regularly reading Library Journal. This highlighted the journal's role in democratizing access to professional knowledge.

What are the main sections found in the current print edition of Library Journal?

The print edition of Library Journal includes sections such as Commentary, Departments, Features, InfoTech, LJNewsDesk, Media, and Reviews. These sections cover a broad range of topics relevant to librarians.

Can you list some of the specific review categories found within the Media and Reviews sections of Library Journal?

Within the Media section, there are Audio Reviews, Games, Gamers, & Gaming, and Video Reviews. The Reviews section includes categories like Arts & Humanities, Fiction, Graphic Novels, LJ Best Sellers, Magazine Rack, Mystery, Prepub Alert, Reference, Science & Technology, Social Sciences, Spiritual Living, and The Reader's Shelf.

What are some of the prominent annual awards presented by Library Journal?

Library Journal presents several annual awards, including Librarian of the Year, Best Small Library in America, Paraprofessional of the Year, Movers & Shakers, Library of the Year, and the LJ Teaching Award. These awards recognize excellence and innovation in the library field.

In which months are the various annual awards typically announced or presented by Library Journal?

The Librarian of the Year award is typically announced in January. The Best Small Library in America award is announced in February. The Paraprofessional of the Year and Movers & Shakers awards are announced in March. The Library of the Year award is presented in June. The LJ Teaching Award is announced in November.

Who was recognized as Librarian of the Year in 2011, and what was the name of the award for library support staff changed to in 2011?

Nancy Pearl, a Seattle public librarian, was named Librarian of the Year in 2011. The award for library support staff, previously known as Paraprofessional of the Year, was renamed Paralibrarian of the Year in 2011.

Which library was the first Canadian library to receive the Library of the Year award, and in what year?

The Edmonton Public Library was the first Canadian library to win the Library of the Year award, receiving it in 2014. This marked a significant recognition for Canadian libraries on an international stage.

What criteria are used to group libraries for the Star Libraries program?

Libraries are grouped into categories based on their expenditure level when assessed for the Star Libraries program. This allows for fair comparison among institutions with similar financial resources.

How many libraries nationwide received stars in the 2018 Star Libraries program, and across how many expenditure categories?

In 2018, a total of 257 libraries nationwide were awarded stars, ranging from 3 to 5 stars, across nine different expenditure level categories. This indicates a broad participation and recognition effort.

What is the web address for Library Journal's online presence?

The official website for Library Journal is LibraryJournal.com. This platform serves as a digital extension of the print publication.

What kind of access does LibraryJournal.com provide to its content?

The website provides both subscribers and non-subscribers with full access to all print content, as well as recent archives. This makes its resources widely available.

How does LibraryJournal.com facilitate users receiving articles relevant to their specific interests?

Web articles on the site are organized by topic, and each topic is assigned its own RSS feed, allowing users to subscribe to receive articles relevant to their interests. This personalized delivery system enhances user experience.

What is the "InfoDocket" feature on the Library Journal website?

InfoDocket is a feature on the Library Journal website, edited by Gary Price and Shirl Kennedy, which was originally founded and remains accessible as a separate website at InfoDocket.com. It likely provides news and resources related to information access.

What purpose does the "JobZone" feature on LibraryJournal.com serve?

The "JobZone" feature on the Library Journal website maintains an up-to-date list of available library jobs. This serves as a valuable resource for professionals seeking employment in the library sector.

What related topics or publications are listed in the "See also" section of the Library Journal article?

The "See also" section lists topics and publications such as the History of Public Library Advocacy, List of literary magazines, Kirkus Reviews, Public Library Advocacy, Publishers Weekly, and San Francisco Review of Books. These provide context and related information.

What external resources are linked from the Library Journal article, and what do they offer?

External resources linked include the official Library Journal website for current content, Hathi Trust for digitized past issues, Wikiquote for quotations related to libraries, and Wiktionary for the definition of the word "library." These links offer further avenues for exploration.

What specific contributions did Melvil Dewey make to the field of librarianship, as mentioned in the text?

Melvil Dewey founded Library Journal in 1876 and, in its early issues, made recommendations for early library circulation systems. He also served as the managing editor of the journal during its formative years, significantly shaping its direction.

What was the significance of the "American Library Journal" title change?

The change from "American Library Journal" to "Library Journal" after the first year signified a potential broadening of its scope or audience. It moved from a geographically specific title to a more general one, aligning with its initial declaration to serve library associations in both America and the United Kingdom.

How did the early issues of Library Journal foster a sense of community among librarians?

Early issues served as a forum for librarians across Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States to share news, discuss their libraries' ideas and practices, and report on professional activities like meetings and conferences. This fostered a collaborative environment and a shared professional identity.

What is the "LJ Teaching Award," and who was a notable recipient mentioned in the text?

The LJ Teaching Award recognizes excellence in teaching within library and information studies programs. Steven L. MacCall of the University of Alabama was a notable recipient mentioned for the year 2010.

What is the "Movers & Shakers" recognition, and who does it honor?

The Movers & Shakers recognition acknowledges numerous influential and innovative library and information professionals from North America. It highlights individuals making significant contributions to the field.

What does the "InfoTech" section of Library Journal cover?

While the text lists "InfoTech" as a section within the print edition, it does not provide specific details about its content. It is understood to cover topics related to information technology within the library context.

What is the purpose of the "Classified" section within the "Departments" category?

The text lists "Classified" as a department within the journal's structure but does not elaborate on its specific purpose. Typically, classified sections in publications include job listings, announcements, or other brief notices.

How did Reed Elsevier come to publish Library Journal?

Reed Elsevier became the publisher of Library Journal after acquiring R. R. Bowker, the company that had previously published it. This acquisition occurred in 1985, and Reed Elsevier continued publishing the journal until 2010.

What is the significance of the ISSN and OCLC numbers provided for Library Journal?

The ISSN (0363-0277) and OCLC (818916619) numbers are standard identifiers used to uniquely catalog and track the publication in library databases and systems worldwide. They ensure accurate identification and retrieval of the journal's information.

What does the image caption "The cover of a 2007 edition of Library Journal" describe?

This caption refers to an image displaying the front cover of a 2007 issue of Library Journal. Such images typically showcase the publication's branding and may highlight key articles or themes for that edition.

What does the image caption "The cover of Volume 3, No. 2 of Library Journal, published in 1878" describe?

This caption describes an image of the front cover of the second issue of the third volume of Library Journal, which was published in 1878. It provides a historical visual reference to the journal's early appearance.

What is the purpose of the "Authority control databases" section at the end of the article?

The "Authority control databases" section provides links to external databases like VIAF, Library of Congress, and Yale LUX. These links help uniquely identify and catalog Library Journal, ensuring consistency and accuracy in information retrieval across different systems and platforms.

What does the "hproduct" class in the infobox table suggest about the nature of Library Journal?

The "hproduct" class in the infobox table suggests that Library Journal is being treated as a product within a structured data context. This is common for publications, indicating that it can be subscribed to or purchased.

What does the "shortdescription nomobile noexcerpt noprint searchaux" class applied to the introductory sentence indicate?

This class indicates that the description "American trade publication for librarians" is optimized for various display and functional purposes. It suggests the description is short, visible on mobile devices, not included in excerpts, not intended for printing, and used to aid search engine discoverability.

What is the significance of the "official organ" declaration made by Library Journal in 1878?

The declaration of being the "official organ of the library associations of America and of the United Kingdom" in 1878 signified its intended role as a primary communication channel and representative voice for librarians in these regions, aiming to unify and inform the professional community.

How did the early focus on cataloging and classification in Library Journal contribute to the profession?

By featuring discussions on cataloging principles and the development of classification systems like Cutter's, early Library Journal articles helped standardize and advance the organization and accessibility of library collections, laying crucial groundwork for modern library practices.

Library Journal Wiki: The Chronicle of Librarianship: An Exploration of Library Journal

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Overview

The Premier Trade Publication

Library Journal stands as a distinguished American trade publication dedicated to librarians. Established in 1876 by the visionary Melvil Dewey, it serves as a vital conduit for news and insights within the library world, with a particular emphasis on public libraries. The journal features in-depth articles on professional practice and provides comprehensive reviews of library-related materials and equipment.

Recognizing Excellence

Since 2008, Library Journal has annually evaluated public libraries through its esteemed Star Libraries program, awarding stars to institutions that demonstrate exceptional service and innovation. This initiative highlights the critical role libraries play in their communities and sets benchmarks for professional excellence.

Pre-Publication Reviews

A significant contribution of the Library Journal is its "Library Journal Book Review," which offers pre-publication reviews for hundreds of popular and academic books each month. This service is invaluable for librarians curating collections, ensuring they are aware of forthcoming titles relevant to their patrons.

Publication Details

*Library Journal*

Cover of a 2007 edition of Library Journal
Frequency	20 per year
Founder	Melvil Dewey
Founded	1876
Company	Media Source Inc.
Country	United States
Based in	New York City, New York, U.S.
Website	www.libraryjournal.com
ISSN	0363-0277
OCLC	818916619

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Early Development

Founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey, Library Journal initially bore the title American Library Journal. Its early issues were instrumental in shaping the nascent library profession, focusing on critical aspects such as cataloging, indexing, and circulation systems. Prominent figures like R. R. Bowker, Charles Ammi Cutter, and Dewey himself contributed foundational articles, establishing the journal as a key platform for professional discourse.

Early editions served as a vital forum for librarians across North America and the United Kingdom. They featured discussions on library management, practical advice for smaller institutions, and detailed reports on professional activities. Sections like the Bibliography (compiled by Cutter) and Pseudonyms and Antonyms (compiled by James L. Whitney) provided essential reference resources.

The journal's prospectus emphasized its value, stating that regular readership would make "the librarian worth more to the library, and the library worth more to the people."

Corporate Evolution

The publication's ownership has seen several transitions over its long history. Initially published by Frederick Leypoldt's company, which evolved into R. R. Bowker, it later came under the umbrella of Reed International (which merged into Reed Elsevier) in 1985. In 2010, Media Source Inc., also the owner of School Library Journal and The Horn Book Magazine, acquired Library Journal, continuing its legacy under new stewardship.

Current Features

Editorial Voice

The print edition features distinct editorial sections, including commentary from key figures like John N. Berry III (Editor at Large) and Rebecca T. Miller (Editor in Chief), providing expert perspectives on current library trends and issues.

Departments and Reviews

Regular departments cover essential library operations and news, such as "Classified," "Feedback," and "People." The extensive "Reviews" section encompasses a wide range of materials, including Arts & Humanities, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Reference, Science & Technology, and more, alongside specialized media reviews for Audio, Games, and Video.

Commentary: Blatant Berry, Editorial
Departments: Classified, Feedback, People
Features
InfoTech
LJNewsDesk
Media: Audio Reviews, Games, Gamers, & Gaming, Video Reviews
Reviews: Arts & Humanities, Fiction, Graphic Novels, LJ Best Sellers, Magazine Rack, Mystery, Prepub Alert, Reference, Science & Technology, Social Sciences, Spiritual Living, The Reader's Shelf

Specialized Content

Beyond standard reviews, Library Journal offers focused content like "InfoTech" for technology developments and "LJ Academic Newswire" for updates relevant to academic libraries. The "Prepub Alert" is particularly noted for its early reviews of forthcoming books.

Annual Accolades

Librarian of the Year

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to the library profession. Notable recipients include Nancy Pearl, Luis Herrera, Jo Budler, Corinne Hill, Siobhan A. Reardon, and Lauren Comito and Christian Zabriskie for their work with Urban Librarians Unite.

2011: Nancy Pearl
2012: Luis Herrera
2013: Jo Budler
2014: Corinne Hill
2015: Siobhan A. Reardon
2020: Lauren Comito and Christian Zabriskie

Professional Recognition

Library Journal also honors professionals through awards such as the Paraprofessional of the Year (renamed from Paralibrarian of the Year), recognizing dedicated support staff, and the LJ Teaching Award, celebrating excellence in library education.

Paraprofessional of the Year: Allison Sloan (2010), Gilda Ramos (2011), Linda Dahlquist (2012), Laura Poe (2013), Clancy Pool (2014), Tamara Faulkner Kraus (2015).
LJ Teaching Award: Steven L. MacCall (2010), Martin B. Wolske (2011), Lilia Pavlovsky (2012), Suzie Allard (2013), Paul T. Jaeger (2014), Patricia K. Galloway (2015).

Library of the Year & Movers & Shakers

The Library of the Year award celebrates outstanding public libraries. Notable winners include Columbus Metropolitan Library, King County Library System, San Diego County Library, Edmonton Public Library (the first Canadian winner), and San Francisco Public Library. The Movers & Shakers list annually highlights numerous influential and innovative North American library professionals.

Library of the Year: Columbus Metropolitan Library (2010), King County Library System (2011), San Diego County Library (2012), Howard County Library (2013), Edmonton Public Library (2014), Ferguson Municipal Public Library (2015), San Francisco Public Library (2018).
Movers & Shakers: Recognizes numerous influential and innovative North American library and information professionals annually.

Star Libraries Program

Evaluating Library Performance

Introduced in 2008, the Library Journal Star Libraries program assesses public libraries based on their performance metrics, categorizing them by expenditure levels. This initiative provides a valuable benchmark for library services and community impact.

Top-Tier Recognition

In 2018, for instance, five libraries achieved the highest distinction of five stars in the over-$30 million expenditure category. These included the Cuyahoga County Public Library, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Seattle Public Library, Cleveland Public Library, and King County Library System. Across the nation, 257 libraries received star ratings in nine different expenditure categories.

Digital Domain

LibraryJournal.com

The official website, LibraryJournal.com, offers comprehensive access to the journal's content, including print articles and extensive archives, available to both subscribers and non-subscribers. It serves as a dynamic hub for library professionals.

Newsletters and Feeds

Visitors can subscribe to various email newsletters, such as "BookSmack," "Library Hotline," "LJ Academic Newswire," "LJ Review Alert," and "LJXpress." The site also provides topic-specific RSS feeds for web articles in the "Libraries & Librarians" category, allowing users to customize their information intake.

Career Resources

Library Journal maintains "JobZone," a dedicated feature on its website listing current library job opportunities. Additionally, the "InfoDocket" section, edited by Gary Price and Shirl Kennedy, offers curated news and resources for the library community.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Library Journal Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While every effort has been made to adhere strictly to the provided source material, the nature of AI generation means that nuances or specific interpretations might differ from direct human authorship.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding library science, publishing, or related fields. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

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Library Journal: A Legacy in Print

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Overview ℹ️

📰 The Premier Trade Publication

⭐ Recognizing Excellence

📚 Pre-Publication Reviews

Publication Details 📊

Historical Trajectory 📜

🏛️ Genesis and Early Development

🏢 Corporate Evolution

Current Features 📰

✍️ Editorial Voice

🗂️ Departments and Reviews

💡 Specialized Content

Annual Accolades 🏆

🌟 Librarian of the Year

🏅 Professional Recognition

🏛️ Library of the Year & Movers & Shakers

Star Libraries Program ⭐

📈 Evaluating Library Performance

🏆 Top-Tier Recognition

Digital Domain 🌐

💻 LibraryJournal.com

📧 Newsletters and Feeds

💼 Career Resources

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

The Premier Trade Publication

Recognizing Excellence

Pre-Publication Reviews

Publication Details

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Early Development

Corporate Evolution

Current Features

Editorial Voice

Departments and Reviews

Specialized Content

Annual Accolades

Librarian of the Year

Professional Recognition

Library of the Year & Movers & Shakers

Star Libraries Program

Evaluating Library Performance

Top-Tier Recognition

Digital Domain

LibraryJournal.com

Newsletters and Feeds

Career Resources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice