Chronicles trends in prison libraries during last decade--improved standards, more attention to educational and vocational services, continued interest in reentry materials and services and networking, and emphasis on jail library services. Goals of prison librarianship predicated upon availability of professional librarians are explored, and 23…

Examines the background, roles, services, and ways in which the modern prison library can meet the needs of both inmates and prison staff. Discusses international and national standards as well as the special skills needed by library staff to deal with difficult prison patrons. (Author/LRW)

This issue of "The Bookmark" contains 23 essays examining the challenges facing public library trustees and changing community needs. Topics considered include: the role of the trustee, fund raising, lobbying and the legislative process, library building programs, library automation, literacy, intellectual freedom, information access, preschool…

As background for defining public library adult services in the 1980s the perceived role of the public library in the United States since its inception is summarized and changing definitions are analyzed. Data collection and analysis plans for the Adult Services in the Eighties Project are described. (EM)

Describes a process undertaken by small, rural libraries in Massachusetts in which trustees, librarians, and community leaders identified the possible roles of libraries and prioritized needs for individual communities. The results include an emphasis on community standards rather than national, and a list of three basic roles of all libraries.…

Explores the issue of intellectual freedom and the role of the library in the community, and the extent to which community attitudes and values should influence library policy. A specific incident involving a public library exhibit of materials on gay rights in Durham, North Carolina, is described. (CLB)

Examines the impact of electronic communications systems on library networking, using such examples as interlibrary loans and union catalogs to illustrate the effects of telecommunications on library services. The need for strict adherence to library standards in order to ensure continued library cooperation is discussed. (CLB)

Provides an overview of school library development in Great Britain and the United States and discusses five factors that have facilitated or retarded school library development in each country: standards, staffing and certification, government support, rationale for school libraries, and professional organizations. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the role of libraries in distance education for higher education institutions. Highlights include new standards from the Association of College and Research Libraries; the need for planning; promoting the library's role; librarians as instructors; proactive service; and a list of distance-education resources available on the Web. (LRW)

Describes a study of Institutes of Health Sciences (IHS) libraries in Botswana that determined the state of the collections and services and examined how well the libraries provided complements to classroom-based student learning and to lecturers' research. Results showed that college library standards were not met and recommends strategies for…

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)

This paper examines the background and roles of prison libraries in North America and Europe. Identified roles include: popular reading materials center; independent learning center; formal education support center; leisure and recreational activities center; legal information center; treatment program support center; information center on outside…

Offers a detailed overview of accreditation standards, criteria, and procedures used by one specialized accreditor; and suggests ways to be prepared for site visits and reports. A directory of 73 specialized accreditors and a brief bibliography are appended. (18 references) (Author/SLW)

Discusses new guidelines for the library media profession developed by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). Highlights include the standards and behavior indicators at the core of the guidelines; Web page accessibility; and benefits for library media…

Provides an overview of the state of libraries and their resources in Croatia. Highlights include destruction of libraries resulting from the war; the need for centralization, uniformity, and standards; the role of the National and University Library; processing library materials; and the development of an automated system and network. (Contains…