This article features Chelsea District Library (CDL), Michigan, which claims recognition as the 2008 Best Small Library in America, an award sponsored by "Library Journal" and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The aggressively responsive staff of CDL has created a model for small libraries all over America. There, careful…

Provides an overview of marketing efforts of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Examples of a marketing plan that stresses fostering relationships with the community are described, including staff training in customer service, a cultural festival, and services to the business community. A sidebar offers marketing tips for…

The Friends of the San Francisco Public Library have compiled detailed information about its benefit book sales and presents it here as a guide for those who wish to organize sales in their own communities. The committees needed to operate the sale are listed, and the duties of the chairmen are described. Suggestions are given for collecting…

VARIOUS SCHOOLS APPLIED FOR THE ENCYLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA AWARDS. FROM THESE DATA THREE LEVELS OF DEVELOPMENT OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARIES WERE DISTINGUISHED--(1) THE FINALISTS REPRESENTED A SPECIAL CLASS OR CATEGORY, ALL REPORTING DRAMATIC PROGRESS DURING THE PAST 2 YEARS. (2) SEPARATE FROM THE FINALISTS COULD BE IDENTIFIED A SECOND GROUP OF…

Discusses results of a national telephone survey that was conducted to assess public opinion about the importance of various roles of public libraries. Topics addressed include financial support and community spending for public libraries; differences of opinions between ethnic groups and by demographic groups; and possible uses of the data.…

If libraries what influential people in their service areas to regard them as full partners in community building, libraries need to know their information needs before they do, and get the resources into their hands that will facilitate their decision-making before they realize they need it. Suggestions are provided for effective marketing of…

"Community involvement," the standard cliche, does not come close to capturing the spirit and action that have structured the building, programs, collections, and services of the Haines Borough Public Library (HBPL), AK. Those achievements make HBPL the winner of the first annual award for the Best Small Library in America, cosponsored…

A 1979 Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) survey on special collections in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions focuses on centralized departments that handle rare books, manuscripts, archives, and author-subject collections. Statistical results from 66 survey replies reporting on the staffing, size, and expenditures of…

Seven articles explore and suggest means of publicizing school library services to students, teachers, administrators, and the general community. (CLB)

An econometric model of library reference service is suggested for revision and improvement of current services. Discussion focuses on costs and budgets, expanding needs, and community support. (AEF)

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 pertinent issues with an urban public library director, including recent financial, demographic, and technological changes; developing partnerships within the community; service philosophy; communication with staff; and fundraising concerns, including management skills. (LRW)

Description of the Ann Arbor (Michigan) District Library focuses on the transition from being a public library that had status under the public schools. Highlights include public support for new taxation, expanded and improved services, staff development, partnerships and programs with other community groups and schools, and future plans. (LRW)

Librarians' interest in and concern with the legislative process and with their relationship with elected officials is accelerating. The obvious reason for this is the deteriorating financial situation facing libraries of all types. It has become critically important for the future of libraries that librarians become knowledgeable in the contest…

Presents nine articles that suggest public relations ideas for public libraries and junior and senior high school libraries. Highlights include a campaign designed to win community support for new public library service; reaching out to students, teachers, administrators, the school board, the community, and other librarians; newsletters; and the…