The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor had embraced service design and design thinking, but the pandemic-induced campus transition enabled staff to innovate differently. Many services transitioned to virtual options but some onsite library services reopened for Fall 2020. Library employees created a new service model to accommodate request…

Can a floating collection thrive in a large multicampus academic research library? Floating collections have been successful in public libraries for some time, but it is uncommon for academic libraries and unheard of for a large academic library system. This article will discuss the investigation into the feasibility of a floating collection at…

This resource was designed to be used by individuals and groups as an ongoing reflection tool. Inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept, nor a complete-and-move-on challenge. The checklist and supporting resources are meant to help individual libraries evaluate current services as well as plan for the future. Ultimately, changes and…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's museums. Museums for America (MFA) is the largest IMLS grant program for museums; it supports institutions by investing in high-priority, high-value activities that are clearly linked to the institution's strategic plan and enhance its value to…

Panda bears are the theme of this guide which includes many reading-related activities, crafts, and programs on a broad range of topics, and which can be expanded to other theme approaches such as endangered species, bears in general, and the concept of black and white. The program begins with a general definition and discussion of goals,…

This report summarizes the results of a feasibility study of the Bay Area Literacy Referral Network (BALRN), a local literacy referral system established in 1985 by the coordinators of the 13 Bay Area literacy projects, which in turn were established by the California Literacy Campaign initiated in 1983. Funded with Library Services and…

Discusses an in-service cross-training program designed for reference desk workers at the University of New Mexico Library. Describes the reference department and provides an overview of cross training. Highlights include training issues, a needs assessment questionnaire, program implementation, and evaluation. Four appendices provide sample…

Model for evaluation of library reference services examines four elements of reference process: librarians' performance on requests for factual information; knowledge of library policies, procedures, or services; provision of bibliographical instruction; and performance of interviewing techniques. Reference service questionnaire, criteria for…

Case studies of six public libraries that have adopted the concept of long range, community-based planning were conducted to explore what actually happens in natural settings as public libraries implement long range planning, and to document the differences that exist among these settings in process, goals, implementation, participant perceptions,…

Describes steps of planning, implementing, and evaluating Books Build Bridges, a public library program created by Connecticut's Stratford Library Association. The program paired local senior citizens with young adults who then read picture books to first, second, and third graders. Sidebars present reading tips for volunteers, program tips, and…

This report summarizes the activities of the Education Consolidation Improvement Act (ECIA) Chapter 2 1985-86 School Library Resources Program, which was designed to provide direct support to District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) in their efforts to develop and maintain high-quality library and media resources as an adjunct to their…

Discussion of performance appraisal and evaluation focuses on a peer review and evaluation process of reference services that was developed at Louisiana State University. Formative evaluation principles are discussed, user survey results are reported, and a checklist for implementing a peer desk review process is provided. (20 references) (LRW)

A study was conducted of three New Hampshire library literacy tutorial programs to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the adult tutorial programs, staff development, and training needs, and the role of the public library in promoting adult literacy services. Data were gathered through a two-phase process begun in October 1993. A survey was…

Discusses problems and opportunities encountered in implementing staff exchange programs among reference departments of a multibranch academic library, based on experiences at the University of New Mexico. Highlights include communication; collaboration; uniformity of service; implementation criteria; goals; training; workloads and scheduling; and…

This report describes the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a coordinated staff development program to offer certified, non-degree credit to non-professional librarians from small public libraries. The program plan includes a course consisting of five 3-hour sessions covering the reference interview; interlibrary loan, government…