Describes the local, in-house designed, automated, on-line circulation system which has been in operation at the public library in Farmers Branch, Texas, since October 1, 1975. The relatively inexpensive system is linked to the IBM System 3 Model 10 in the city data processing department. (JVP)

By reflecting the new global community in staffing, collections, programs, exhibits, and services, public libraries will be fulfilling their role in the acculturation and education of new citizens, as well as contributing to greater community understanding and a new world order. A sidebar lists seven steps for serving recent immigrants. (AEF)

These guidelines for upgrading a local online library system, cover: (1) technical considerations; (2) management issues; (3) planning, including profiling, data file conversion, consideration of add-on programs, and user interface; (4) training; and (5) the conversions process. A sidebar provides data about conversion at the Health Sciences…

Describes the organization and administration of a program designed to educate adults in the use of a library. The program, which is offered as a series of six workshops led by department members, uses library facilities and library generated materials. (JVP)

Discusses planning "future of the catalog" decisions given AACR2 and suggests that courses of action for small libraries may be developed through self-study and by reference to a list of 11 resources. (RAA)

Discusses factors for libraries to consider when starting and maintaining an audiobook collection, including patron profiles; funding and budgeting; selection and ordering; listener preferences, including abridged versus unabridged titles; packaging and appearance; shelving and location; and future possibilities. A sidebar provides detailed…

Provides guidelines for ordering the best computer books, geared to the library's size. Covers series, articles, subjects, and publishers most useful to a broad audience, as well as the best places to seek information on new titles and where to find reviews. Offers time savers for upgrading a computer book collection and discusses weeding…

Offers collection development suggestions for public libraries interested in materials on AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Sources of AIDS information are discussed; censorship issues are addressed; formats are considered; and an annotated list of 38 relevant titles in a variety of formats is…

Discusses the need for emergency planning for libraries to ensure that disaster response teams are ready to deal with a variety of possible calamities. Guidelines are given for writing a disaster plan, including floor plans, emergency procedures, insurance coverage, treatment of damaged materials, and reallocation of staff and collections. (LRW)

Suggests strategies to help middle managers in libraries cope with difficult financial times. Highlights include resource allocations; the importance of change to prevent a decline in quality and to demonstrate some degree of control; the need to control both financial and staff resources; and providing vision for the future. (LRW)

Discussion of the automation of personnel administration in libraries covers (1) new developments in human resource management systems; (2) system requirements; (3) software evaluation; (4) vendor evaluation; (5) selection of a system; (6) training and support; and (7) benefits. (MES)

Provides an overview of marketing efforts of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Examples of a marketing plan that stresses fostering relationships with the community are described, including staff training in customer service, a cultural festival, and services to the business community. A sidebar offers marketing tips for…

Discusses the threats to books and periodicals posed by such insects as book lice, termites, cockroaches, silverfish, firebrats, and beetles; reviews past methods of pest control; and describes a technique for insect control using microwaves. The results of tests of microwave effects on publications are reported, necessary precautions are…

Suggests an adult nonfiction video collection for the librarian who is starting or upgrading nonfiction video holdings. Selection criteria are explained and guidelines for choosing vendors are included. Arranged by subject, the collection includes brief descriptions, and a list of distributors and wholesalers/retailers is provided. (EM)

This discussion of the role of video in the public library reflects on the nature of the video market in 1987 and discusses how to buy feature, nontheatrical, and children's videocassettes. A source list for reviews and acquisitions is included. (EM)