Discusses the implementation of free online search services at the Mount Vernon Public Library for all registered borrowers of the county library system. Policy decisions and planning, operating procedures, publicity, and usage evaluation are noted. Retrieval procedures, search request forms, and sample searches are appended. (EJS)

This report describes the methods and presents the results of a study undertaken to analyze the distribution of benefits from state, federal, and local funding within the Texas Library System during the 1980 fiscal year. The background of the study is described and a list of definitions for terms and acronyms used in the report is provided. The…

Reports on Bill and Melinda Gates's tour of Alabama, the first state to be wired to the Internet by the nonprofit Gates Library Foundation, and the model for connecting 1000 more libraries this year. Mutual appreciation between Alabama librarians and the Gateses resulted. An interview with Bill Gates focuses on challenges libraries face in…

Cooperative collection development is discussed as a method of coping with rising prices for expensive and little used library materials. The experiences of institutions which have had success in overcoming difficulties associated with cooperative ventures are presented, and a program of 12 recommendations is suggested. Twenty references are…

A study commissioned by the Milwaukee Federated Library System identified problems and proposed organizational strategies towards their solution. A manifest problem with research and reference service cost allocations led to Milwaukee County's withholding of funds, while latent problems were identified in the interlibrary book circulation system.…

This report on the work of the Library Committee of the Capitol Consortium for Continuing Higher Education, one of six regional Consortia in Virginia, focuses on cooperative projects, including a proposal for a Periodicals in Richmond Area Libraries List. The proposed list, which is judged essential for resource sharing and for continuing…

Papers presented at the annual conference of the Alaska Library Association (AkLA) focused on the Alaska Library Network with special emphasis on collection development and resource sharing through networking. Papers and reports from the conference, some of which have been updated, are presented in six chapters. The first provides an overview of…

This report describing how the Division of Library Development and Services performs its responsibilities by providing services to local public library and school systems focuses on the activities and accomplishments of the Office of Public Library Services, the Office of School Media Services, and the State Library Network. Tables listing…

Some myths underlying the governance of social organizations and their impact upon libraries and library services in a number of areas are explored. Three articles examine some general trends in governance and how those trends relate to libraries; the others focus on trends of governance within particular types of libraries and information…

The Idaho allocation plan for funds from the Library Service and Construction Act (LSCA) continues the emphasis on priorities described in the statewide plan for years 1994-1998. These priorities are: (1) advocate for the creation of library districts with adequate tax support to serve the state's entire population; (2) strengthen cooperation and…