In spring 2024, the Multicounty Multitype Library Systems, supported by State Library Services, conducted a census of K-12 public and charter schools in Minnesota to learn about the status of school libraries. A total of 1,528 out of 1,777 eligible schools completed the census. The findings can help legislators, school staff, librarians, and…

Literacy and access to quality literacy instruction and resources is an issue of equity and an issue of social justice. Being literate represents the difference between inclusion in and exclusion from society. Examining how literacy experiences are being provided to children is critical to fulfilling this basic human right. This guide--written…

U.S. public libraries provide free public internet services to the communities that they serve, but require robust, high-speed broadband internet connections to continue meeting public demands. The 2008-2009 "Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study" ("PLFTAS") illustrates challenges that public libraries encounter in achieving broadband…

Libraries of government departments provide information to policymakers, to government staff and employees, and, sometimes, to the general public. It is essential that libraries of government departments are organised and managed so as to collect and provide the information most needed by government decision makers, government workers, and the…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is committed to bringing together museums and libraries across the country for conversations dedicated to developing a better understanding of the roles of libraries and museums as providers of public service to communities. The Future of Libraries and Museums in the 21st Century Planning…

The easiest link for libraries to establish in relation to the learning society is the direct managerial link that many have with educational institutions. Libraries in schools, colleges, and universities of all kinds are significant parts of the education enterprise. They become more so when the emphasis of education shifts to independent…

The purpose of this document is to orient new system staff and advisory council members to their roles and responsibilities in the Texas Library System. It contains information on the history, governance, funding, services, and administration of the systems. Chapter 1 contains a discussion of the history of library systems in Texas and some key…

Describes the Pacific Northwest Conspectus Database, a regional resource assessment tool which includes information about library collections in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Use of the database by academic, public, and special librarians to better manage their collections and to coordinate planning and purchasing with other…

This document presents the proceedings of a conference organized to review the cooperative collection development features of the Missouri State Network Plan and to outline specific goals, methods, and materials for facilitating cooperative collection development projects in the state's multitype library networks. An introduction provides…

Information presented in this report is taken from the 1986 Annual Report/System Membership Applications submitted by public libraries in Texas. The report is divided into five sections which contain: (1) general information, including listings of the Texas State Library governing or advisory committees; the Texas State Library Administrative…

Intended to be used by librarians, this guide will also be useful to boards of trustees, governing officials, members of funding agencies, and community support groups involved in planning on a local level and within the context of regional and state library service. It provides information to help libraries plan and evaluate their services and…

This report presents the findings of a survey of New York State Library System administrators and governors designed to provide an empirical benchmark of opinion within the New York State library system and to aid in discussion, evaluation, and planning at the library systems conference. Survey data were collected by means of telephone interviews…

Designed to allow Alaskan librarians to evaluate and compare their libraries, this annual report compiles information provided by public libraries receiving Public Assistance grants for fiscal years 1987 and 1988. Part I presents statistics for 1988; Part II reports the 1987 statistics. It is noted that the information reported for fiscal year…

Since no local library can meet the information needs of the community on its own, librarians and local policymakers must look to other existing agencies and channels for support. In every locale are agencies, organizations, and governmental and social service units that daily gather, compile, and disseminate information as one of their missions.…

Designed to assist individual public libraries in the development of policies and procedures, these guidelines include examples and/or samples of points that should be considered and addressed in a policy manual. Following a brief introduction, the guide is divided into four sections, each of which contains a set of general policy statements…