Librarians, like patrons and researchers, are caught between traditional library service models and the promise of evolving information technologies. In recent years, professional conferences have strategically featured programs and presentations geared toward building a mobile agenda and adapting or adopting services to meet new demands of mobile…

The heart of the public library mission is to provide service to the entire community and serve the underserved. But how does a library identify the people it is not reaching, where they live, and what they need? And what does it mean for a library's services if in its community the underserved are not also underprivileged? Contrary to popular…

Describes a project at the San Bernardino Public Library designed to integrate microcomputers into library public services. Program elements include: (1) a microcomputer laboratory; (2) ongoing computer education classes; (3) access to online databases; (4) a 24-hour communications link between the library and community; and (5) a career…

A study of library services to hospitalized patients since 1971 in the greater Providence, Rhode Island, area. (LS)

An innovative program for senior citizens, available through Wisconsin public libraries, furnishes multi-media kits designed to bring back memories of county fairs, train rides, and other familiar experiences. (JAB)

Reviews demographic and health data on older Americans and describes services at the Topeka Public Library that are targeted to serve adults aged 75 and older, including selection and delivery of books to shut-ins and nursing homes, materials and information for the visually handicapped, and special programing. (8 references) (MES)

Description of a mobile information center that provides public information on local events, municipal ordinances, employment, taxes, social security, planned parenthood, welfare, adoption laws, and other topics. The project has been deemed successful because it offers the public an opportunity to communicate face to face in a nonthreatening…

The causes for the failure of the High John project--an attempt by liberal white librarians to make a significant contribution to the redress of American blacks' grievences, and to make the public library a more relevant institution--lie in librarianship itself. (11 references) (Author/SJ)

The harsh realities public libraries must face include the low esteem in which cities are held, city-dwellers' doubt of themselves, shrinking financial resources, and decreased readership. (Author/PF)

Discusses private fundraising initiatives for public libraries, often through special foundations with full-time fundraisers. Highlights include experiences at the Public Library of Des Moines Foundation; metropolitan, suburban, and small public library initiatives; fundraising on the Web; effects on public support; outreach programs; bequests;…

Discussion of issues in bookmobile services to migrant workers focuses on the experiences of the Fresno County Public Library. A profile of migrant workers is provided, and funding problems and options, the information provision aspect of library service, lending policies, and impediments to serving migrants are discussed. (three references) (MES)

Sandra Tauler has tailored her collection and services to the needs of a community that is 97 percent Hispanic. Unfortunately, that's only half the job. The other half is getting potential users through the door. The solution Tauler and other Imperial Valley librarians came up with was Proyecto Televista. With LSTA funding, and the assistance of…

This article details the work of Lorena Mata of the San Jose Public Library. Fresh out of library school, Lorena Mata has already made a mark on her community. At the San Jose Public Library (SJPL) she conducts public Internet classes in Spanish and English and gives quarterly English and Spanish-language presentations at neighborhood academies.…

Discusses the author event in libraries and the efforts Baker and Taylor has made to bridge the communication gap between publishers and libraries and to encourage author publicity events. Argues that events are good business for publishers, writers, and libraries; and outlines aspects libraries must consider in organizing such an event. (EA)

Describes the features of the Austin Public Library that made it Library Journal's pick for the 1993 Library of the Year Award. The library's outreach programs, use of total quality management, volunteer program, and the bonds between the library and the city government are covered. (KRN)