Provides background on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and presents guidelines for library compliance, including read the legislation; designate an employee as ADA coordinator; evaluate current policies, services, and facilities; implement changes; provide training for library staff and related groups; and solicit feedback from disabled…

Provides an approach to dealing with donations and special collections for public libraries serving all sizes of communities with varying levels of funding. Highlights include guidelines for when to accept special collections, how to identify areas of need in the library's collection, and a special collection proposal form. (EM)

Describes a program designed to induce small public libraries in Vermont to move beyond the minimum standards of service. Highlights include long-range planning; peer review by librarians and trustees from libraries that have completed the program; the role of town meetings; role setting for the library; and mission statements. (LRW)

Presents an overview of the National Endowment for the Humanities sponsored Let's Talk about It Program. The intended audience is examined, the role of the scholar analyzed, and the special responsibilities of the discussion leader delineated. Results of the program are evaluated and suggestions for planning a program are offered. (six references)…

Discusses the importance of cost finding for public libraries and the relationship of cost finding to output measures. A cost finding study conducted on the cost of gift books is described; several worksheets from the study are included. Suggestions are offered for beginning a cost-finding project. (three references) (MES)

Public libraries do not always meet community information needs because librarians are trained to answer questions through books when often the best information in an area is from alternative sources. The government provides free information on investments, jobs, health, and legal problems; experts and clearinghouses are other good information…

Discusses causes of library disasters and provides several examples of disasters. Emphasis is on the importance of awareness, insurance protection, a written disaster plan, cooperation with the fire marshall and insurance agent in planning, and staff training. Several elements of the written plan are listed. (22 references) (MES)

Addresses the responsibilities of public library trustees and recommends increasing their effectiveness through involvement in statewide library issues and local lobbying efforts. The discussion also covers length of term and absenteeism, ethics, and awards or citations for exemplary trustees. (Six references) (MES)

Summarizes the history of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) involvement with libraries and describes their current Adopt-a-Library program, which was initiated to promote libraries and literacy. Suggestions for developing a successful joint venture are offered. (22 references) (CLB)