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…

Libraries and information centers are rapidly becoming an integral part of American Indian life. Individuals, organizations, and tribes have come to the decision that libraries and the information services which they offer are necessary to meet Indian goals. Eleven guides have been developed to provide initial direction and provide alternatives to…

Discusses library resources for genealogical research, including bibliographies of family histories, guides to genealogical resources, periodicals, indexes, CD-ROM products, electronic bulletin boards, and nonprofit services. An annotated list of 13 titles for a basic collection is included. (MES)

Presents American Library Association guidelines for medical, legal, and business responses at general reference desks covering the role of the librarian, including interpretation, advice, confidentiality, and tact; sources, including currency and referrals; telephone or mail reference; and ethics. (MES)

The organization of each unit, section, department, division, and group of the Columbia University Library is described by listing principal administrator, parent unit, role, objectives, functions, key working relationships, reports produced, and performance and evaluative criteria. The hierarchical structure of the library is indicated in the…

Suggests ways to use library buildings and space to attract users and to showcase collections and services. Ideas for a marketing strategy using windows, promenades and walkways, the entrance of lobby, and the interior are offered. Increasing use by making libraries a place for fun and entertainment is also recommended. (MES)

A task force was charged with developing a revised set of guidelines for public library service to children in Vermont. Together with the results of a survey of Vermont public libraries, the help of recommendations from other states, and the expertise of individual libraries, the task force drew up a number of guidelines. In the first section the…

Intended for libraries contemplating the purchase of a bookmobile, this guide suggests evaluating the population it will serve and the programing that will be offered; collecting staff and public input; and having a consultant develop technical specifications, just as one would have an architect design a building. (four references) (LAE)

Arguing that complaints are inevitable and that complaint handling should be an integral part of the library's public service program, this paper identifies and discusses the components of such a program. Concerns discussed are those that should be of general interest to all types of libraries, and the primary focus is on external complaints,…

With the current focus on writing across the curriculum and the emphasis on schoolwide writing programs, perhaps library media specialists should consider adding writing instruction to the learning that takes place in the library media center. The teaching of writing should be a natural extension of the teaching of information literacy. Both…

This paper discusses information literacy skills and procedures for breaking information resources into their component data. The paper draws on the work of two Australian committees to establish the importance of these skills and briefly describes a research project on library services required to support the delivery of competency-based training…

The functions, roles and responsibilities, and services of school media centers and public libraries at the local and state levels are succinctly discussed, and supportive functions and services provided by the State Library Commission of Iowa and the Department of Public Instruction are indicated. Also enumerated are recommendations for school…

This handbook for library trustees identifies the duties and responsibilities of library boards and librarians, the qualifications of an effective library and of a library board, and library policy requirements. The concept of intellectual freedom, the Library Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to Read Statement are discussed, and the role of the…

This manual guides libraries and librarians in the planning, organization, and procedures of literacy programs. After a review of literacy goals, chapters of the book discuss the specific roles of libraries and librarians in literacy programs; essential steps in planning literacy programs; the implementation of literacy programs in public, school,…

Uses general developmental framework to explain relationship of play, toys, and development of young children, and to support toy lending in libraries. An evaluative approach for library toy selection which is based on meeting children's psychological needs is suggested together with 11 titles to aid librarians in establishing toy-lending…