Contains the text of the American Library Association Reference and Adult Services Division's guidelines entitled "A Commitment to Information Services." (PF)

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that every year 76 million Americans get some kind of food poisoning, more than 300,000 are hospitalized, and approximately 5,000 people die. A 2004 analysis by the Center for Science in the Public Interest indicates that contaminated produce is responsible for the greatest number of food-borne illnesses.…

Describes the growing number of dictionaries available to reference librarians, discusses factors that have led to the need for more dictionaries, and provides buying guidelines to help in selection decisions. Electronic versions of various dictionaries are described, and a sidebar examines the "American Heritage Dictionary" revisions.…

Presents W. Edwards Deming's Total Quality Management method and advocates its adoption in libraries. The 14 points that form the basis of Deming's philosophy are discussed in the context of the library setting. A flow chart of the reference process and user survey questions are included. (MES)

Suggests a decision-making rationale to use when deciding whether or not to charge library patrons for services or materials. (Author/KP)

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)

Guidelines developed with the input and assistance of numerous Latino librarians are enumerated. Covering planning and evaluation of library services, access and delivery systems, personnel, materials, and services and programs, they will subsequently be submitted to ALA for adoption and distribution. (JPF)

Presents a model for establishing a conservation program in a library. A preliminary discussion of conservation strategies and the committee approach is followed by a list of tasks; for each task the purpose and goals are briefly explained, and some bibliographic citations are provided, with works chosen for their currency and usefulness.…

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)

Discussion of the NREN (National Research and Education Network) and issues of access focuses on the role of the public library. Highlights include current uses of the Internet; resource sharing; guidelines for public library service; availability of the Internet and NREN through public libraries; and a sidebar that lists sources of further…

Guidance for libraries in implementing the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is provided in question and answer format. Topics covered include library services and materials, employment issues, and parking requirements. (LAE)