Briefly summarizes the results of a recent American Library Association (ALA) study on "Financing Online Search Services in Publicly Supported Libraries." The background of the survey, the general patterns revealed by responses concerning the kinds of fees charged to users, and the availability of the complete study are included. (JL)

Argues that, although research measuring library effectiveness has tended to equate effectiveness with user satisfaction, this approach is faulty for several reasons and calls for more in-depth user needs assessment studies. (LLS)

Describes a September 1980 study of 310 public library children's specialists from 310 library buildings in 74 California library systems. The survey's findings indicate that continuing education in nonprint media and services is in order for many children's services specialists. (LLS)

Examines public library interlibrary loan statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) as a measure of the effectiveness of efforts to equalize service throughout a state. Data from 1988-89 are compared with data from approximately 5 years earlier from 35 states. Data without earlier year comparisons are offered for other…

Presents the results of the Seattle Public Library's survey on its Internet service. Seventy-one percent of users were satisfied with the service, but expressed a need for more staff assistance and instruction. Users also valued using the Internet for educational assistance. A sidebar by Jacobson highlights students' expectations for Internet…