Random samples of monographic materials from U.S. and Canadian public libraries were matched with collections from similar libraries of different sizes. Strong positive correlation appears between percentage find rate and target library size, with regression analysis suggesting linearity over a wide range of collection sizes. (Author)

This report on the activities of the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse during the time period between July 1, 1990, and June 30, 1991, begins with a summary of data on challenges against library materials reported to the clearinghouse during this time period. Details about each challenge reported by public libraries and school library…

This community analysis was conducted in order to characterize and identify the information needs of the Wakefield community, and library services and use were evaluated to determine how well the library meets these needs. The study included an examination of the history of the town and its physical characteristics, economic development, and…

Shows how a well-respected collection development tool contains ideological frames, using the "Public Library Catalog" (PLC) as an example. Evaluation by library science graduate students indicate that the PLC makes recommendations that have an imbalance of perspectives, overemphasize a particular facet or theory within a field, lack authority,…

Compares the more positive library automation experiences of a small public library with those of a large research library. Topics addressed include collection size; computer size and the need for outside control of a data processing center; staff size; selection process for hardware and software; and accountability. (LRW)

Papers presented at the annual conference of the Alaska Library Association (AkLA) focused on the Alaska Library Network with special emphasis on collection development and resource sharing through networking. Papers and reports from the conference, some of which have been updated, are presented in six chapters. The first provides an overview of…

Discusses the potential for linking large metropolitan public libraries to international interlibrary loan networks. Issues involved in international networking, including funding, standards, network connectivity, and protectionism, are discussed. Examples of libraries capable of participating and brief descriptions of their collections are given.…

The Interim Study Committee on Library Issues was directed to study all aspects of public libraries, and review the space and document security problems of the state archives. The "Introduction and Reasons for Study" section highlights the Committee's 1993 findings and recommendation; 1994 goals; and conditions at the state archives. The…

A study was conducted to determine if the centralization of braille operations for the national free library program would be feasible, economical, and desirable. This report presents the findings of the study in three sections. Section 1 provides background information, a summary of the first phase of operations, and the study objective for phase…

As a result of a lack of information about the preservation of library and archives materials in Massachusetts libraries and records repositories, a survey was conducted to determine the preservation needs of public, academic and special libraries (including museums), manuscript repositories, historical societies and town clerks' offices. The…

This Tenth Annual Report on activities of the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse begins with the goal, objectives, and scope and methodology of the Clearinghouse followed by a summary of the challenges against library materials that were reported and took place between July 1, 1996 and June 30, 1997. Details about each challenge reported by…

This Eleventh Annual Report on activities of the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse begins with the goal, objectives, and scope and methodology of the Clearinghouse followed by a summary of the challenges against library materials that were reported and took place between July 1, 1997 and June 30, 1998. Details about each challenge reported…

This Eleventh Annual Report on activities of the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse begins with the goal, objectives, and scope and methodology of the Clearinghouse followed by a summary of the challenges against library materials that were reported and took place between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 1999. Details about each challenge reported…

The goal of the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse is to uphold the principles of the Library Bill of Rights in all types of libraries by improving communication between librarians, board members, professional associations, and other concerned groups in Oregon about challenges to intellectual freedom, and by increasing awareness as to how…

Social and economic issues affecting the vitality of public libraries in California are discussed. A 1993 study by the California State Library identified diminishing reference skills and reference collections, reduced funding which impacted staffing, increased demand, technology change, and language/culture issues as contributing factors to…