Personal experiences of a librarian's 1982 trip to the People's Republic of China are related, noting impressions of Chinese communism, encounters with the Chinese, the National Library in Beijing, a visit to a branch library of the public library system, and the Shanghai Public Library. (EJS)

Reviews studies of historical and current trends in the library location theory; the relationship between distance and library users and variables, including available transportation, use motivation, and community awareness; and public facility location models such as central place theory and elastic demand. Extensive references, four figures, and…

Describes a two-part book circulation use study conducted to find a simple inexpensive and effective method of weeding a public library branch collection, to determine whether weeding increases circulation, and to compare results with Slote's results. Seven tables, one appendix, and 32 references are provided. (RBF)

Re-examines seven major public library central facilities that were built or renovated in the past six years, including Chicago (Illinois), Los Angeles (California), Denver (Colorado), Phoenix (Arizona), San Antonio (Texas) and Vancouver (British Columbia). Topics include coping with crowds; new uses for the libraries; reorganization of space;…

Compares and contrasts the experiences and perceived roles of librarians and architects in the library-design processes of recently completed branch public libraries in three library systems in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia. Discusses the project team, site selection, architect selection, library interiors, and information…

The five essential features of any good library plan are objectives, inputs, process, outputs, and evaluation. In developing countries, the following factors affect, and should be considered, in the formulation of library plans: illiteracy, lack of educational facilities, no common language, insufficient funds, and geographical features and the…

Describes a study of the Tel Aviv library system that examined the factors influencing the service range distances of branch libraries and the differences among them in amount of library use. The literature of spatial aspects of public services is reviewed, the geostatistical methodology is explained, and socioeconomic factors are discussed. (19…

This report assesses the current stage of program development in the branch libraries of the Saint Lucia Public Library and Information System (PLIS), based on data collected during September-December 1997 using a branch library questionnaire, site visits, and informal surveys of library users. The vision and philosophical statements used to frame…

Nine papers delivered at the Division of Libraries Serving the General Public at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions 1992 annual meeting are presented. In addition to papers about libraries for disadvantaged persons, papers on services to children and young people and to the general public through mobile…