This timely special report from ALA Editions provides a succinct but comprehensive overview of the "privatization" of public libraries. It provides a history of the trend of local and state governments privatizing public services and assets, and then examines the history of public library privatization right up to the California…

E-books have been around for more than 10 years but are still a relatively new phenomenon to many librarians and publishers. With the introduction of e-book readers, the e-book has become mainstream, with recent triple-digit annual increases in sales. But what place do they have in the library? In this volume, Sue Polanka brings together a variety…

This instructional manual was designed to examine ways to describe public library services, performance, and facilities in measurable terms. Included within the manual are materials and instructions used for the measurement of (1) library materials availability; (2) profile of library users; (3) use of material, equipment, and facilities; and (4)…

In the fall of 1974, the Nassau County Library System conducted a study of the New Hyde Park Public Library at the request of that library's directing board. Relevant documents and statistics were reviewed, building usage was studied, and the library staff and community organizations were questioned. The library was analyzed in terms of the…

Based on 500 randomly selected interviews, data were gathered concerning the use of Burnaby Public libraries, Vancouver. Users were questioned about their reading habits, literature preferences, interests, and knowledge and use of the public library. The document contains details about the survey design, execution, and results. (EMH)

In a continuing effort to reduce costs and improve internal processes, the Glendale Public Library's book charging and overdue determination system has been examined and an improved method conceived which will free badly needed labor hours within the library. It is proposed that the present photocharging transaction card system be kept, but the…

At the request of the Children's Librarian, a brief review of the Young People's Library shelving process and control desk arrangement was made. For the shelving process, a time-spent survey was made to determine the relative amounts of time spent on the various phases of the operation. A special questionnaire was designed, and the library pages…

In 1974 a study was made of alternatives for centralized book processing for the South Central Regional Library (SCRL) of Ontario, Canada. The planners first examined the general benefits of centralized processing as to staff, time, space, standardization cost, coordination, and utilization of new technology, and then examined these benefits…

In a study to determine library use and attitudes of students enrolled in external degree programs, a questionnaire was administered to a random sample of nonresident students at Empire State College, in the New York State Regents External Degree Program, and at Goddard College. Analysis of the data showed that the majority were full-time…

The community characteristics and the present library services of the borough of Etobicoke, Ontario, were studied in order to make recommendations for improved service. It was concluded that the major changes to be expected in the area were an increasing population and increasing numbers of ethnic minority residents. It was recommended that a new…

an analyst from the staff of the City Manager of Glendale, California, conducted a work simplification study for the central library to adjust public service operations in the library's new quarters. This report presents the study's recommendations concerning the book circulation process. Following an outline of the organization and functions of…

To gain some insight into the effectiveness of the Glendale Public Library Processing Section, it was decided to compare, with some very crude measures, the performance in the acquisition and cataloging areas of that library with that of the neighboring libraries of Pasadena and Burbank. A management consultant on the Glendale City Manager's staff…

A survey of local history collections in Nebraska public libraries was made in an attempt to determine whether public libraries in that state were building local history collections; what items were being collected; and how collections were acquired, used, and promoted. The survey also attempted to ascertain if there was a demonstrable…

The Barrie Public Library was studied as part of a larger commission authorized by the Georgian Bay Regional Library Board. Analysis was restricted to local policies and procedures which were under the full control of the Barrie Public Library board and staff. Aspects of library services provided on a cooperative basis--interlibrary loan, 16mm…

This book is the result of a set of case studies that were performed in four American public libraries between 1989 and 1992. The goal of the research was to describe the effect that planning has had in a representative set of libraries, focusing planning as a social phenomenon. The city, county, federated, and suburban library are examined.…