Discusses the censorship of school and public library materials dealing with homosexuality. Topics addressed include social pressures; conservative critics of homosexuality; examples of requests for limited access or removal of materials; and purchasing additional materials to represent other points of view as a more positive solution. (LRW)

Library use is declining in the United States because print media is no longer the preferred media of a large majority of the population. Of the wide variety of media used for information, instruction, and entertainment, only a small variety is available through the public library. Selection of appropriate media formats for library acquisition…

This 25-article issue presents overview of reference services for childern and young adults, including public and school libraries, information needs, reference interviews, children's librarians, library instruction, library cooperation, production of information resources, material selection, and vertical files. References are included. (Haworth…

This report on the activities of the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse during the time period between July 1, 1990, and June 30, 1991, begins with a summary of data on challenges against library materials reported to the clearinghouse during this time period. Details about each challenge reported by public libraries and school library…

The Governor's Task Force to Study Library Services in Maine were directed to accomplish three tasks: (1) survey the present resources and services of the state, public, college, school, and special libraries in Maine and evaluate these resources and services in terms of identified needs; (2) determine ways in which libraries, their services and…

Challenges against library materials that were reported to the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse by Oregon libraries during its second full year of operation totalled 34 books, 13 of which were owned by public libraries and 21 by school libraries. The first challenge against an art exhibit in a public library was also reported. In 25 of…

Contains an introduction (Jean Thibodeaux Kreamer) to this section and five articles on video in libraries: "Managing an Integrated Video Collection" (Michael Hedges); "The Video Librarian's Hide and Seek: Videotapes and Collection Development" (Merle Slyhoff); "Video in the Schools" (Charles Triche); "A Conversation with Sally Mason" (James…

The integration of print and non-print resources in libraries or media centers is a complex issue that involves three considerations: intershelving, records organization, and integration of a media center's functional areas. Although resource integration is not appropriate in every setting, it is highly recommended for community college and public…

Discusses the problem of serious dangers in current and backlist chemistry experiment books. Discarding of older books and careful evaluation of the dangers inherent in newer books are recommended. Safe alternatives are suggested, including some criteria for evaluating dangers, and a safer approach used by a current author. (EM)

Established in May 1987 by the Oregon State Library to serve as a central clearinghouse for the collection of reports about challenges against library materials, the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse received a total of 17 formal challenges against library materials during its first year of operation. Of these, 10 challenges were received…

Brittle paper, cheap bindings, mistreatment, and poor storage conditions are threatening to destroy thousands of scholarly documents throughout the United States unless preservation activities are successfully incorporated into all levels of library operations. In order for the preservation and access to information movement to succeed, there must…

Resulting from a concern for a need to develop strong communication links between school media specialists and public librarians, this publication presents ideas and examples of cooperative activities that are, for the most part, easy to implement. While not all activities may be necessary or even appropriate in all situations, they are presented…

Using decision points from Esther Piercy's "Commonsense Cataloging" as a framework for analysis, this paper compares the opinions of experts on cataloging, classification, and shelf arrangement of audiovisual materials in school libraries, public libraries, and media centers with actual practices in four school and community libraries in…

Children's librarians should analyze the potential of new technologies before they are formalized so that when innovations are implemented, they will have the capabilities to provide for children's departments' internal management needs and improve children's services. Microcomputers, video, and commercial, public, and cable television can be…

Discussion of collaboration between classroom teachers and school library media specialists focuses on programs at an elementary school in the Katy Independent School District (Texas). Topics include knowing the faculty; knowing the curriculum; providing needed materials and services; cooperation with public librarians; and recognition of shared…