Describes the process followed in developing the materials selection policy used by the Leon County Public Library, so as to demonstrate how a policy responsive to adult interests evolved and continues to change as adult needs and interests change. Seven references are listed. (Author/LLS)

One of a series on library services to disadvantaged adults, this guide suggests several ways a library can provide books by mail services. Mail order delivery is a way of making the library's collection available to many who are unable or unwilling to visit the library building. The system can be handled by clerks or volunteers. Planning should…

Report on the role of public library services in adult literacy education highlights the nature of service clientele, literacy program development in the United States and Australia, literacy research projects, patterns of service, library collection development, and librarian training. Footnotes are given. (EJS)

One of a series on library services to disadvantaged adults, this guide explains the advantages of pamphlets for a public library collection. Pamphlets provide easily read, up-to-date information at little cost. Several bibliographies and magazine columns regularly list free and inexpensive pamphlets. Collections of these booklets can be placed…

This description of the Botswana National Library Service (B.N.L.S.) with its central headquarters and 13 branches provides insights into communication problems, development of services, and clientele in an area where books and reading are still a new exciting idea. (MBR)

The history of the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) of the American Library Association is traced from the creation of the individual adult and reference service divisions through the merger that formed RASD. Focuses on the origin, structure, and activities of the division and on the individuals responsible for the development of RASD.…

This study was conducted in l978/79 to test the hypothesis that the circulation of books put in a prominent display location would increase because of the tendency of adults to select books in public libraries by browsing, rather than looking for specific titles. The circulation of all copies of a sample of ll5 titles from the adult individual…

This report presents the results of a survey which sought information about Texas public libraries' experiences with censorship. Of the 61 librarians surveyed, 59 responded. The survey results identify: (1) the representativeness of the libraries surveyed by percent of population served; (2) the respondents, grouped by library system; (3) the…

An evaluation of 275 titles of adult individual biography selected at random reveals no essential correlation between a quality estimate and any of several measures of circulation. The titles were evaluated for their quality by determining whether or not each title was found listed in eight reviewing journals, five book selection tools, and five…

One of a series on library service to disadvantaged adults, this guide describes the selection of special materials. Factors to consider in identifying the clients and their needs are outlined. Bibliographies useful in selecting special materials for disadvantaged adults, some 140 books popular with adult new readers, and 23 publishers of such…

A deposit collection of library materials in a familiar place may be the only way disadvantaged adults will learn that the public library has something for them. Many libraries have used deposit collections successfully in serving this group by placing them in classrooms, in bookmobiles, in crossroads stores, in private homes, in clinic waiting…

Describes a study that used the OCLC Online Union Catalog to identify those adult fiction books owned by the largest number of public libraries to determine whether a core collection of titles could be identified for use in evaluating adult fiction collections. Future research is recommended and a list of the top 99 titles is appended. (Author/LRW)

A study of the information needs of rural services clientele was undertaken in New Mexico to define the services that the state library should provide. A survey about information needs was prepared and mailed to post office box holders, randomly selected, in rural areas of the state. In all, 1,200 surveys were distributed. Responses were received…

Four significant data analyses have been made of 6,622 adult titles selected at random from the collections of 20 United States public libraries. An inductive quality estimate was determined by counting the times each was listed in up to eight evaluation guides. The analyses show that: (1) although there is a positive and significant relationship…

Measures the impact of an instructional censorship unit on the book selection behavior of adults when selecting literature for a children's book collection. This study of undergraduate and graduate library science and education majors suggests that proper instruction may alleviate fear of censorship problems. A sample module is included. (RAA)