An attempt was made to assess Ohio public school libraries in terms of their facilities, equipment, materials, services, operations, and leadership. A review of the literature relevant to school library services was made. In addition, interviews were conducted with people knowledgeable in the library field. The questionnaires were sent to…

Results are compiled from a national survey designed to monitor the Libraries and Learning Resources Program of the 1974 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA Title IV-B) and to learn what changes might improve the delivery of library materials, equipment, and guidance, counseling, and testing services to elementary and secondary school…

Outlines the evaluation criteria used by the reference department at the Williams Library at the University of Mississippi in selecting databases and hardware used in CD-ROM workstations. The factors discussed include database coverage, costs, and security. (CLB)

A series of articles reviews current trends in library furniture, including designs to accommodate computer equipment and workstations, children's furniture, shelving, and display aids. Design requirements and evaluation criteria are discussed, and a directory of furniture suppliers is provided. (CLB)

Reports results of study measuring stack capacity at seven University of California medical and science libraries. Data collection, size of library collections, sample shelf measurements and volume widths, overall results, differences among libraries, time differences between old and new materials, and stack capacity estimates are highlighted.…

Discusses use of federal funds for school libraries provided by Chapter II Block Grants created by the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Increased spending for such items as library materials, instructional equipment, and microcomputers is enumerated. Five ways for librarians to obtain and monitor funds are outlined. (EJS)

Addresses the necessity of incorporating new computer technologies into school library resource centers and notes some administrative challenges. An extensive checklist is provided for assessing equipment and furniture needs, physical facilities, and rewiring needs. A glossary of 20 terms and 11 additional resources is included. (AEF)

Presents results of a questionnaire survey of 27 Association of Architectural Librarians members working for architectural and design firms. Library services, library collections, user access, space and equipment, library staff, and future possibilities are discussed, and a copy of the survey is appended. (LRW)

This special section includes two articles that review products and services for the automated library environment. Highlights include ergonomic products; products for visually, hearing-, and speech-impaired users; analog film recorders; computer filters; document imaging systems; electric filing systems; and printers. A list of vendors is…

Discusses 108 new building and 148 addition and/or renovation projects in public and academic libraries completed in 1994. Highlights include statistics on building costs and book and seating capacity; summaries of construction costs for the past six years; and an alphabetical list of architects and their addresses. (KRN)

Focuses on selecting appropriate furnishings, floorings, and surfaces for a new library. Discusses appropriate color schemes; carpeting; protecting wood surfaces with polyurethane, user-friendly furniture, and flexible staff workstations. (AEF)

Describes how a library, with an MCI Corporation grant, approached the process of setting up computers for the visually impaired. Discusses preparations, which included hiring a visually-impaired user as a consultant and contacting the VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) group; equipment; problems with the graphical user interface; and training.…

The WEBrary(R) databases at the Morton Grove Public Library (Illinois) provide patron-accessible searchable databases, easily available over the library's Web site. Database offerings include the locally maintained Song Collection Index, Obituary Index, Continuations Listings, On-Order files, topical and personalized New Acquisitions files, and…

Presents a tongue-in-cheek analysis of how to improve young adult services in libraries. Highlights include funding; providing technology that includes Internet access; comfortable furniture; food; longer evening hours; research needs; staff attitudes; job and volunteer service opportunities; restrictive rules and fees; and better books and media.…

Presents factors for librarians to consider when decision-making about information retrieval. Discusses indexing theory; thesauri aids; controlled vocabulary or thesauri to increase access; humans versus machines; automated tools; product evaluations and evaluation criteria; automated classification tools; content server products; and document…