Discusses options for systems organizations of information and referral services in libraries, the problems of data collection, and three myths which are traps to the successful implementation of an information and referral service. (Author/PF)

Presents views of the American Library Association on the Cable Telecommunications Act of 1982, providing a brief overview of library involvement in cable television and endorsing amendments suggested by the National Federation of Local Cable Programmers. (EJS)

Discusses library service patterns of cooperation at the local level, the role of library networks in providing new services, collaborations between public libraries and the community, and library policy as it affects forms of public service. (FM)

The sparse population and great distances in Finnish Lapland, the northern third of Finland, and the lack of library personnel and funds create special problems for library services. The author describes the library situation and needs in that area. (MF)

Examines some of the issues that public libraries have had to deal with in delineating and pursuing as a specific organizational goal the provision of access to information. The perspective adopted is historical but not strictly chronological. Thirty-six references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Reviews studies that have attempted to measure levels of community library service, and describes the testing of hypotheses related to the impact of public library system development in Wisconsin on community library services. Conclusions about public library service in Wisconsin and the research methodology used are stated. (16 references) (CLB)

Directed towards library staff members involved in public education, this manual provides guidelines for making community members aware of talking books and braille materials provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Guidelines are presented in three categories: (1) media relations, (2) preparing materials,…

Profile of the Houston Public Library, which was established in 1904, covers the opening of a new central library building in 1976, library services and collections, the building of branch libraries including a portable mall facility, information and referral programs to ethnic groups and business, and development of library automated systems.…

Describes the HELOS project in Denmark, which is using information technology to facilitate library development, increase levels of library and information services, and increase levels of technological qualifications of library staff among four rural libraries. The discussion highlights library and information services offered, hardware and…

Describes the Maggie III automated library system, which supports a public access catalog, cataloging interface, bibliographic maintenance, circulation, electronic mail, and community information databases, with acquisitions and serials modules planned. Sidebars describe the community information database's structure, planned use of software by…

Reviews current trends in the networked community information literature, including public library involvement, and discusses a present study for which multiple methods are being used to collect data from users, librarians, and service providers in three states. Particular attention is given to explaining use of theory specification to apply…

This article presents the staff perspective on the advantages of collaboration between a library cooperative in Southeast Florida and one of its member libraries. Collaborative relationships between library cooperatives and member libraries exist primarily to benefit library patrons and community users. Important relationships between cooperatives…

This paper provides background and practical suggestions for creating and nurturing community partnerships.

This document contains the proceedings of three days of hearings on a discussion draft of a bill to reauthorize the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA). This draft which contains a number of modifications from the current law, would expand the role of libraries as information centers for the community. While the original Library Services…

Summarizes the nature and status of videotex, and describes current applications by libraries and information centers, including community information dissemination and information retrieval from bibliographic databases. Prospective uses of videotex and library applications are discussed as well as problems to be overcome before effective videotex…