Public libraries can no longer be all things to all people," they need to set one or two major goals to serve one or two major sectors and give everything they have to this effort. (7 references) (Author/NH)

This essay addresses the ambiguity and confusion arising out of two values that have been embodied in American public library ideology since at least the last quarter of the nineteenth century: concept of the public library as community institution; the public library's emphasis on service to the individual. (27 references) (EJS)

Explores the relationship between Public Library Association (PLA) planning and the themes of literacy, productivity, and democracy that were chosen by the White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS). Discussion is based on data collected by the Public Library Data Service (PLDS) that examine current library services in…

The utility of the argument put forth in this paper relates to the planning for future information systems. Librarians must determine what sorts of epistomological or classification systems they can expect in the future and how they can be organized and serviced so they will interface with the past. (Author/NH)

At a two-day symposium held in DeKalb, Illinois, university administrators and library directors debated key issues of the library's role in higher education: invisible ownership of books, dual governance, on-campus competition for information delivery, collective bargaining and unions, government support, trends in higher education,…

Reviews the idealistic origins of the public library in the United States and the gradual shift from private to public financial support. It is argued that a skeptical attitude toward the public sector led to the recent financial crisis for public libraries, and that strategies for funding must include reaffirmation of the original idealistic…

Shares some highlights of the March 8, 1979 meeting between the President's top policy-makers, members of the National Commission on Library and Information Science (NCLIS), and the staff of the White House Conference on Library and Information Services. (JD)

Discusses the role of libraries in distance education for higher education institutions. Highlights include new standards from the Association of College and Research Libraries; the need for planning; promoting the library's role; librarians as instructors; proactive service; and a list of distance-education resources available on the Web. (LRW)

Examines "A Planning Process for Public Libraries," published by the Public Library Association in 1980, discussing the mission of the public library, survey research and data collection, library goals and objectives, planning strategies, budgeting, the political environment, and output measures. Twenty-six references are cited. (EJS)

Addresses the role of academic research libraries as affected by powerful economic and technological forces. The shift in emphasis from collections to access, planning the transition, objectives to enhance traditional library collections and services, and funding the transition are highlighted. Four references are provided. (EJS)

Discusses community involvement in public library planning and decision making and the role library leadership must have to ensure financial feasibility and the protection of intellectual freedom. An open letter to Madonna concerning her book, "Sex," provides an example of leadership and successful public relations. (EA)

Discusses areas of confusion concerning the role of public libraries that endanger the existence of public libraries. It is argued that the future of the public library depends on its responsiveness to the needs of the people that such libraries were created to serve, and suggestions for achieving this state are offered. (CLB)