In this article, the author describes how the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) struggled with a fraction of its former staff, limited hours, and a massive fundraising challenge after Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. While previously 171 people staffed locations, only 40 employees plus a smaller--and shifting--cadre of…

A statement of goals, guidelines, and standards for public libraries in the state was developed by the Standards Study Committee, Public Library Section, of the Louisiana Library Association. The goals include the educational, informational, recreational, cultural, and service roles of the library. The guidelines are a detailed description of…

This report identifies specific inadequacies in Louisiana public library services, resources, facilities, and personnel. It also identifies the people who are to be served, and reveals the geographical, sociological, economic, and educational barriers to the expanded use of libraries. Finally, it presents specific goals and objectives as part of…