Discusses issues involved in public access to library materials and facilities and patron confidentiality. Topics discussed include children's access to adult materials; parents' right to know about their children's materials; First and Fourth Amendment protections; the Library Bill of Rights; and American Library Association (ALA) documents that…

Discusses results of a survey that compared visions of library leaders to public attitudes about libraries and technology. Topics include conflict between the personal image of libraries versus impersonal technology; the need for reassurance that reading is not being replaced by computers; and the role of the librarian and the library. (LRW)

This discussion of library preservation practices for information and cultural materials of value focuses on digital technology. Discusses controlled environments, reformatting, and emergency-preparedness strategies. A sidebar describes the Library of Congress's "American Memory" project to convert information in traditional media to an…

Describes the role of librarians at National Public Radio, emphasizing the immediacy and accuracy needed at this special library. Discusses journalism, reference materials, clipping files, customer satisfaction, preservation concerns, and funding. (LRW)

Describes the procedures for accrediting library education programs. (LS)

Reports on the maintenance of the indoor plants in the Washoe County (Nevada) Public Library. (PF)

A self-interview by a deaf person who is the District of Columbia Public Library's Community Librarian for the Deaf. (PF)

Libraries are serving only a small percentage of the aged and more education, research and funding are required for new patterns of service to this group. (AB)

Describes the services ofseveral libraries in reaching the handicapped; services for which there is a real demand. (AB)

There is a public need for improved and relevant library services to make libraries institutions of the future with the capacity to provide a secure and healthy preservation of our heritage. (Author/AB)

Describes the American Library Association's (ALA) recently published 108-page study report, "ALA Survey of Librarian Salaries," which displays responses received from almost 900 libraries (public, 2-year college, 4-year college, and university) in 26 large tables showing starting and maximum salaries for each position. Ordering…

Looks at King Research, Inc. (KRI), a data analyst firm specializing in library and information science research. Various KRI projects are described, including the new "Planning Process for Public Libraries." Profiles of KRI staff members are given along with a selected bibliography of the company's publications. (LLS)

Provides practical tips on three key traits of successful library managers: ability to motivate, utilization of authority to reward or discipline, and ability to delegate. Encouraging library support staff interested in becoming professional librarians is stressed. (EAM)

A commentary on the need for the library profession to remain flexible when planning future library services and programs. Because of rapid technological, economic, and social changes, it is suggested that earlier decisions regarding national programs should be reassessed and different directions taken. (JPF)

This essay on problems associated with library reference service and personnel discusses the pros and cons of four approaches designed to improve staff utilization and quality of performance--hiring additional staff, automation, alternative staffing arrangements, and planning and rearrangement of priorities. Fourteen sources are given. (EJS)