Compares users of a traditional human-mediated checkout system with users of a self-service system in a Canadian public library to determine if and why patrons will use self-service if given the option, and how library staff might play a role in the successful implementation of self-service checkout. (Author/LRW)

Presents salary data for public library directors based on information published by the International City Management Association (ICMA). Ten population groups are represented and are further classified by geographic region, city type, and form of government. A comparison of data shows highest salaries in the West and lowest in the South. (LRW)

Discussion of public librarians' salaries examines data on: (1) salary progression from 1978 to 1987; (2) public librarians' salaries compared with salaries of librarians in other positions; (3) public librarians' salaries compared with increases in the Consumer Price Index since 1978; and (4) salaries earned in other fields. (19 references) (MES)

Examines the catalogs of 19 urban public library systems, 10 American and nine Canadian, to determine the extent of their holdings of 99 gay-related fiction titles in English for young adults. Data are tabulated by title, and a list of the titles surveyed is appended. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of public library standards focuses on an examination of four quantitative standards: hours of service, library resources, library staff, and library operating budgets, to determine if any agreement exists about them among states. Results indicate that there is no consensus regarding public library standards or approaches to public…

Analysis of the salaries paid to Virginia public library and public school personnel for comparable levels of education, experience, and responsibility shows that school personnel earn higher salaries at almost every level. If salaries are adjusted to equalize work time, the discrepancies are even greater. Five tables present data. (11 references)…

Discusses public library revenues as a reflection of the general economic cycle during the 1980s. Public library expenditures and total local government expenditures from 1966 to 1990 are examined; percentage increases in library spending are compared with other specific city and county expenditures; and academic versus public library funding is…

Investigates criteria correlated with the promotion of public librarians based on questionnaire responses from 90 public librarians. Compares the placement and promotion rates for white librarians and librarians of color, as well as for males and females, and discusses further research needs, plateauing, continuing education, and internships. (LRW)

Investigates how the needs of adult new readers are being met in five North Texas public library systems using the PLA's (Public Library Association) list of recommended titles for "Adult New Readers" for 1993-97 as the comparative sample. All the libraries had titles from the sample, though there was considerable variance. Only one…

Describes the incongruence between the service priorities of the public library community and the public. The results of a public poll on library roles (e.g., educational support, independent learning, preschool programs, community information, reference, and popular materials) and an analysis of public library data for 1992 are compared and…

Reports the results of a study of two library systems' differing approaches to staff involvement in library planning. The systems' attempts to prepare staff members, keep them informed, and encourage staff participation are described, and the resulting benefits are contrasted. Suggestions for successful staff involvement are offered. (34…

Compares directors' use of Public Library Data Service statistics and Federal-State Cooperative System for Public Library Data statistics to show how directors make use of statistics and to highlight the statistical information that directors find particularly useful. The survey addressed: last time of use; ways of use; frequency of use of…

Describes results of a 1986 survey of adult public library users in Mississippi. Data are reported on occupation, age groups, sex, level of education, frequency of visits, and services used; and results are compared with the findings of surveys of public library patrons in other states. A copy of the questionnaire is included. (six references)…

Two Wisconsin public library systems conducted a planning process for library services to special needs users during 1985-86. The needs assessment process used and the results obtained are described in detail and the two approaches used are compared. (One library collected more qualitative data and the other more quantitative data.) (EM)

Reports on the Public Library Association's data collection project for 1987-91. Statistics show most libraries are progressing in terms of financial support and use, although not dramatically. Data on the role selection process and output measures are included. (Contains seven references.) (EAM)