Discusses cataloging problems in public libraries--Library of Congress records, international standards, and cataloging records--and their possible effects on establishing public library networks. A model public library bibliographic network is presented. (KP)

Discusses the possible effects of library automation and networking on standards of catalog accuracy, catalog maintenance, circulation control, and other processes, and describes the mission of the Research Libraries Group (RLG), a consortium of 25 research libraries. (FM)

Advocates library organization and support on a national level. Federal legislation and creation of a national library authority are means considered to achieve the goals of library standardization, bibliographic control, and database development. (SW)

Social and economic issues affecting the vitality of public libraries in California are discussed. A 1993 study by the California State Library identified diminishing reference skills and reference collections, reduced funding which impacted staffing, increased demand, technology change, and language/culture issues as contributing factors to…