The final report of the Illinois General Assembly Task Force on Library Finance is presented. An initiative was recommended to provide enhanced opportunities for public access to electronic information by improving technology in libraries. The task force recommended an increase in fees to provide the necessary funding for this initiative. (AEF)

This paper discusses fee-based services in public libraries. The first section examines examples of charging for public library services in three countries: the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland; and New Zealand. The intention is to consider the circumstances in which charging was introduced, the public's response in terms of the effect on…

This paper describes the status of library services in Natal, South Africa. Fragmented services dominate the area, with public, urban, and school libraries existing in complete autonomy from each other and ambivalent about each other's existence. Within school libraries, provision of services varies widely and reflects the wider apartheid…

This paper discusses public library services to remote communities in Australia, focusing on New South Wales (NSW). The first section presents background on the public library network in NSW, including statistics, descriptors/characteristics of public libraries, and funding to establish public Internet access. The second section addresses regional…

Describes how recent technological developments have changed the way that information is stored, managed, and accessed and suggests that the impact of the Internet has created a need for public libraries to realign their position in the information marketplace. Addresses challenges facing public library directors in marketing, fund-raising, and…

This report provides state-level data on the amount of funds committed to the following three categories of eligible services for each of the first three years of the Federal Communications Commission's e-rate program for schools and libraries: (1) telecommunications service, such as local, long-distance, and international telephone service, as…

This document presents the LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) 2002-2007 plan of the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS). The first section presents the Mission Statement of APLS and lists ways that APLS will meet its mission using federal funds provided by LSTA. The second section: lists the high-priority needs of Alabamians who lack…

This document presents the 2002-2007 California statewide plan for use of LSTA (Library Services & Technology Act) funds. The first section provides an overview of the planning process, including environmental scan, needs assessment, involvement of stakeholders, other factors, and the monitoring plan. The second section presents the California…

The Dallas Public Library surveyed 21 surrounding public library systems to help identify barriers that limit children's use of public libraries. Describes identified barriers, examines causes of the barriers, and offers possible solutions. Tables present study results and list discontinued and current library outreach programs. (JMV)

This study examines the role of external funding in the development of public library network resources and services, their identification, and their benefit and impact, particularly as they affect the digital divide. The study was conducted between February 2001 and January 2002, employing a range of data collection techniques, including site…

The Interim Study Committee on Library Issues was directed to study all aspects of public libraries, and review the space and document security problems of the state archives. The "Introduction and Reasons for Study" section highlights the Committee's 1993 findings and recommendation; 1994 goals; and conditions at the state archives. The…

This document provides a fact sheet, status report, and questions and answers about E-Rate, the discount Educational Rate that schools and libraries will receive for the acquisition of telecommunication services. E-Rate is the result of a regulatory decision on Universal Service made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on May 7, 1997.…

Discusses information literacy in the emerging information age, describes the Internet, and reviews the role of public library trustees in helping to provide access to the information superhighway. Topics include providing equal access to the Internet; staff training; adequate funding; and the leadership role of librarians. (LRW)

Describes the development of the Hagerstown (Indiana) public library's Web site. Highlights include writing successful grant proposals for funding; software from Microsoft; community support; free community access to the Internet from home computers as well as at the library; problems encountered; and future plans. (LRW)

Discusses the future of libraries' extended access and services. Highlights include disposing myths and projections for the future, problems and promises of new technologies, increasing public and academic library funding, and planning for extended libraries. (AEF)