Summarizes the highlights of a report on the results of a 1989 survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to obtain current information on the availability and usage of services for children in public libraries. The design of the questionnaire and unasked questions for future research are mentioned. (EAM)

Discussion of library users who seek information for others focuses on a study of public library adult reference desks that identifies the relationships between agents and imposers that motivate reference desk use and describes agent users in terms of their self-reported education levels and frequency of library and reference desk use. (Author/LRW)

Reports results of a survey of Iowa City residents regarding their awareness of public library services. Data are presented on use of the library for factual information, statistical/numerical information, learning, and information not available at home; awareness of in-person and telephone library reference services; and knowledge about…

Description of community online systems focuses on a Freenet in Illinois called P.A.T.H. (Public Access to Heartland). Highlights include patron use; discussion groups and bulletin boards; electronic mail; reference questions; Freenet's place in public libraries; and sample reference questions answered by Freenet information providers. (five…

In 1993, the Phoenix Public Library's Special Needs Center conducted a needs assessment by surveying current and past library users and staff to determine what improvements in services were needed for patrons having all types of disabilities. The needs assessment process, general findings, and rewards of engaging in this project are described.…

A review of relevant library literature suggests that public library service to lesbian, gay, and bisexual people is poor. Offers ten suggestions to improve library services to these groups and discusses user studies; access, including classification and cataloging; library holdings; and social responsibility versus professional neutrality.…

This study examined patron survey results and nonlibrary consumer activity in a small community to define convenient public library hours. No correlation between library and commercial enterprise activity was found, although some recommendations on library service were suggested by the data. The questionnaire is appended. (23 references) (MES)

Examines data from the National Center for Educational Statistics to determine whether networking and resource-sharing activities of public libraries have increased libraries' use of Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Results suggest that libraries have significantly increased their borrowing through ILL in recent years. Two tables provide loan statistics.…

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)…

Describes a study that was conducted in Provo, Utah, to identify motivators as factors in adult use of libraries. Four major areas were used to examine motivation: home and family life, vocational growth, religion, and politics. Six user characteristics were also studied, and implications for public libraries are suggested. (nine references) (LRW)

Reports on research by library science students for a public library to determine the information needs of a community's health-care professionals, their views of patient information needs, and the public library's ability to meet those needs. An added benefit was positive public relations with the medical community. (Contains 14 references.) (EAM)

Three urban library systems asked their patrons to read descriptions of seven library roles and to select the role that best described why they were visiting the library. From these patron surveys, each library system was able to develop profiles of the roles that its libraries play in the community. (Contains two references.) (SLW)