Report on survey of 160 public libraries highlights characteristics of libraries involved in literacy education, incentives and barriers, services provided, populations served, library staff, materials and equipment, library participation in cooperative literacy efforts, and budget and funding sources. A recommended approach to library involvement…

Discussion of public library roles examines roles from the Public Library Association's planning and measurement tools for their usefulness in evaluating public library effectiveness, based on data from the Public Library Effectiveness Study. Indicators of library effectiveness are discussed, and a cluster analysis of libraries with similar role…

This study examined the relationship between community needs for information about wife assault and the information response offered through social service networks. Interviews were conducted with a random selection of 543 women and with 179 agencies and professionals identified by the women as likely sources of help. (17 references) (MES)

Describes study that was conducted to determine how the attitudes of policymakers affect the role of the public library in the dissemination of AIDS information. Theoretical considerations relating to decision making, diffusion and innovation, and status risk are discussed, and research questions involving library resources and services are…

Discussion of mass media use by older women focuses on a study of 55 women (average age 82) that examined their perceptions of time, their preferred media, their perceptions of the role of the public library, and actual use of the public library. Implications of the results for information professionals and further research possibilities are also…

Reports on a study that assessed key issues affecting public library roles in the use of nonbibliographic Internet information services and explored possible future roles for public libraries in the National Research and Education Network (NREN). (19 references) (EA)