Reference services in public libraries are changing dramatically. The Internet, online databases, and shrinking budgets are all making it necessary for non-traditional reference staff to become familiar with online reference tools. Recognizing the need for cross-training, Chesapeake Public Library (CPL) developed a program called the Database…

The purpose of the present study is to assist with the planning for improved reference service in the libraries of San Diego and Imperial counties, California, and to make recommendations regarding the location of area libraries and the relationships of the libraries within the system. The following recommendations are made for the system: (1)…

Describes the current status of the Los Angeles Public Library System comprising the central library, 62 branch libraries, and 5 bookmobiles. Financial problems, the destruction of the Hollywood regional library by fire, branch library changes, and the central library building are discussed. (EJS)

Based on 403 responses to a survey of the 980 libraries on the Texas State Library Mailing List, this directory is designed to describe the variety and depth of special information resources in Texas and to provide a tool for identifying special information not readily obtainable through other means. A listing of special libraries includes…

The Association of State Library Agencies presents a compilation of data from the 50 state libraries. Information for each state includes name of agency, place in state government organization, powers and duties, purpose and scope of responsibility, organizational structure, personnel, names of key staff, major functional categories, major…

A survey was conducted in those academic and research libraries that are involved in the OhioLINK project to determine their use of approval plans and their budgetary patterns. Written questionnaires were used to collect data in order to examine approval plan use, approval plan and firm order budgeting, and vendor use. Analyses of the responses…

Describes how the New Main San Francisco Public Library was created in spite of budget cuts and threats of shutting down library branches. Discusses community support, the political approach to fund raising, collection development and increased patronage, and linking branch libraries to the New Main's system. (AEF)

Highlights of the Council's activities during the year are briefly reviewed, and the current board of directors, committee members, officers, and staff members are listed. Areas covered include (1) the national and international scene, including the Council's work towards a national periodicals center, promotional efforts for national…

Describes the findings of a 1991 survey of automation in Iranian academic libraries. Findings about libraries participating in the study, including subject area focus, library size, users, staffing, services, and budgets, are presented as a context for information about computer facilities. Copies of the survey in English and Arabic are appended.…

Texas State Library activities for 1977 which were funded under the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) are reported, including administrative expenses for LSCA; administrative tape conversion--to duplicate books recorded on open reel tapes to cassettes for use by the blind; continuing education and consulting for librarians; special…

The major dimensions of interlibrary cooperation which have implications for manpower development in librarianship are identified, categorized and described. These dimensions include: (1) the "power budget" of a cooperative; that is, the capability of a cooperative as represented by its structure, resources, and decision-making processes to…

Discusses issues facing librarianship in the People's Republic of China based on observations by a delegation of American and Canadian librarians in 1985. Highlights include the impact of the Cultural Revolution, collection development strategies, user needs and barriers to use, outreach to special populations, networking and resource sharing, and…

This report describes the activities and financial status of the Council on Library Resources (CLR) during the 1978-79 fiscal year. Contents include: listings of the members of CLR, its board of directors, the council committees and officers, and the council staff; an essay on CLR's 1978-79 year and its future; program highlights; a list of…

This paper describes the academic library environment in Finland, discussing increases in research funding that have not been directly evident in library budgets. It then describes the FinELib program, the National Electronic Library, which has a centralized approach to joint acquisition of electronic information resources. The key issues have…

In a looseleaf format which permits easy revision, this handbook synthesizes statutes, opinions, and regulations that affect library operation in New York State. The text consists of excerpts and synopses of statutes and opinions from state agencies and courts. Topics include: (1) library types; (2) establishment and dissolution of libraries; (3)…