While connecting the nation's schools and libraries to the internet by modernizing and expanding the federal E-rate program currently dominates education technology efforts, a new report from the Alliance for Excellent Education urges that adequate broadband access be accompanied by a comprehensive "digital infrastructure" that unlocks…

This paper reviews and summarizes the procedures used by the Library Research Center (LRC) of the University of Illinois to process data from Illinois public library annual reports filed with the Illinois State Library (ISL). The complete processing cycle is described, including: (1) preparation and revision of reporting forms; (2) their…

Compilation of Illinois public library statistics for 1976-1977. Tables list population, staff, resources, and finances alphabetically by library location. Directories include public libraries, libraries listed by county, library systems, and the Illinois State Library. An index of librarians, libraries, and areas served is attached. (KP)

Results of this study evaluating library reference service indicate a statistically significant difference at the .05 level between obtrusive and unobtrusive evaluation methods. Library staff answer a greater proportion of questions correctly when they are aware of being evaluated. The 30 questions used, a report form, and references are included.…

Sixty-six public libraries selected by random sample, substitutions and participation requests, tested Rutgers University 1970 Performance Measures Manual to gather information on the evaluation and improvement of public libraries. Selection was based on geographic location and budget categories. Following instructions for manual's use at…

The data used in this report to present three statistical pictures of Illinois public libraries during the fiscal year 1987-1988 comes primarily from the 1987-88 Illinois public library annual report forms. Section One presents the individual view of public library operations in which facts about use, resources, and finances are provided. Tables…

CO-SPONSORED BY THE STATE LIBRARIES OF ILLINOIS, INDIANA, AND MISSOURI, THIS STUDY WAS UNDERTAKEN TO DETERMINE THE POTENTIAL OF STATE LIBRARIES IN THE EXPANSION OF THEIR ROLE AS COLLECTORS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF LIBRARY STATISTICS ON A REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SCALE, AND TO OBTAIN SOME IDEA OF THE USES AND USERS OF CURRENTLY PUBLISHED STATISTICS AS…

The Illinois project entitled Measurement and Evaluation of Public Library Services is being conducted by the Library Research Center (LRC) at the University of Illinois. The long range goal of the project is to make available meaningful information for the evaluation and improvement of local public libraries. Two immediate objectives are to test…

Provides results of a study conducted by the Illinois State Library that examined voting trends on library issues based on the results of Illinois public library referenda from 1978 through 1994. Comparisons are made by types of libraries, by population groups, and with school district referenda. (LRW)

Presents 14 tables depicting Illinois public library referenda data from fiscal year 1977/78 through November 1995. Discusses success rates in terms of even versus odd years and spring versus fall for fiscal years 1986-95. Outlines types of library referenda, including: annexation; tax increase; bond issue; establishment (district); conversion to…

Provides background on public library standards and state aid to public libraries, and reports results of a 1986 survey of Illinois public libraries which explored the relationship between state standards and the per capita grant program. The questionnaire and survey data are appended. (six references) (MES)

Two surveys were conducted in 1981/82 and 1982 respectively to determine if Illinois public libraries were satisfying their patrons in terms of book use, and how much money Illinois public libraries received directly from their patrons in library fines, fees, and charges. In the first study, 2,133 adults returning a book at a random sample of 71…

The December 1975, issue of "Illinois Libraries" provides a progress and status report on Illinois' network of 18 public library systems, 17 of which are cooperative library systems consisting of from 17 to 70 public libraries. Each system's annual report is included. Statistics for the entire state are given in five tables covering…

Describes a statewide demonstration project at the University of Illinois at Chicago to provide consumer health information to public libraries and clinics using InfoTrac's Health Reference Center CD-ROM database. Highlights include system specifications for the client-server network, planned enhancements, and preliminary evaluation results. (LRW)

Describes the Teen Center at the Schaumburg Township District Library (Illinois) that was built with a sports theme. Highlights include the physical environment; the library collection, mainly recreational, that includes music CDs; the young adult population and community; hours of operation; staffing; youth participation and programs; and the…