Describes the services of the General Theological Library in Boston, Massachusetts, a nondenominational, ecumenical institution which provides mail order circulation of religious books for clients throughout the United States. (Author/JL)

Many of the programs developed by the Library of Congress have been created for the benefit of libraries in the United States, and represent a specialized form of federal aid. (Author)

A brief review of the increasing need for library services to Hispanics includes reviews of two useful references. It is pointed out that library schools and the American Library Association can play a crucial role in providing quality library services for the Spanish-speaking, and programs at several library schools are mentioned. (LLS)

Analyzes a survey of Irish librarians and discusses the development of librarianship in Ireland. Highlights include historical background, Library Association of Ireland, Library Council, Department of Library and Information Studies at University College Dublin (Ireland), National Library of Ireland, and Trinity College Library (Ireland).…

Explores methods and costs of the retrospective conversion process, i.e., converting card catalog records into machine readable form to create an automated catalog. Data conversion standards, methods, search strategy, databases, verification and editing, costs, and products of conversion are noted. Thirty-two references are cited. (EJS)

Discusses the status of the cataloging of audiovisual materials in libraries, with particular attention given to the background of the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, Second Edition. (Author/FM)

A real community program needs not only programs but a new perspective on the total program of the library aimed at joining the theoretical to the practical, with a shift in accent to the needs of the patron as an individual. (Author/PF)

Defines and describes formal cooperative library reference services and discusses the major variables that produce differences in cooperative reference networks: size, composition, funding, services, delivery mechanisms, control methods, and resources. (Author/LLS)

A brief look at the background and progress of the Shared Cataloging Program is presented. (NH)

Discusses the problem library patron from various fronts: historical, personality traits, importance of complaints, nature and types of problem patrons and their behavior, technology and the newly-bred problem patron, strategies for dealing with problem patrons, and ensuring that library administrators and other supervisors understand the need to…

The use of any type of volunteer for essential (professional patron-oriented long term) services limits cumulative staff knowledge and undermines the case for full public support. However, the unemployed librarian can gain invaluable experience in special projects (unessential non-patron oriented in-house short term services) and should be…

There is no absolute right or wrong way to organize nonprint materials, because libraries differ so much in their scope and their facilities. There are, however, some general considerations to be taken into account when making decisions on the organization of such materials. (Author/LLS)

A description and evaluation of the varying kinds of roles volunteers have developed and (could) play in patients' libraries. It discusses the ways in which others in the library and medical professions perceive volunteers and the mutual misconceptions that inhibit sound and uniform development of these services. (Author)

This overview of preventive measures that can be taken to help minimize damage to library materials from fire discusses the advantages, disadvantages, dangers, and comparative costs of several types of sprinkler systems, including high-expansion foam, total-flooding, dry- and wet-pipe systems, and on-off sprinkler heads. Five references are…

Despite the increasing difficulties facing libraries today because of financial problems, there is a re-emphasis of professional goals and a rekindling of enthusiasm in the development of new library programs. (Author)