This paper examines the belief that no more than half of the public school libraries in the state of Ohio are automated to any degree. The purpose of the research was to determine the degree and nature of automation at the public school libraries in Ohio. A written survey was mailed to 350 libraries that represented a randomized sample of the…

This study focuses on library programs and services geared towards infants and toddlers, ages birth to three years old. The population chosen for this descriptive survey was Ohio's public libraries. Sampling from among the institutions was accomplished using a stratified disproportionate technique, with the libraries grouped into strata by size:…

This paper addresses the preservation needs unique to small libraries, where the majority of special collections exist. A preservation survey of the Herrick Memorial Library (Wellington, OH) was conducted to ascertain the condition of its 45,000 holdings and develop a practical low-cost disaster plan. Using accepted preservation survey criteria,…

This paper reports on a study conducted to determine if staffing changes were necessary at the information desk at the main branch of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library (Ohio). Questions addressed included: (1) What times are busiest in the library? (2) Should there be changes in staffing the reference desk that could lead to…

This paper presents a history of the Hiram College (Hiram, Ohio) library from 1950 to 1995. It highlights important events and decisions made in the construction and opening of the new library building on September 7, 1995 and shows how this achievement has revitalized the spirit and optimism of everyone involved. The paper also presents the…

A cost study was undertaken of the costs incurred by, or allocable to, the Interlibrary Lending (ILL) section of the UCLA Pacific Southwest Regional Medical Library Service (PSRMLS) from June 1, 1976 through May 31, 1977 for filled and unfilled book and journal requests. Mathematical methods were used to establish accurate values of total direct…

This paper explores the concept of toy lending libraries. The first six chapters discuss: (1) the history of toy lending libraries; (2) the values and purposes of using games and toys with children; (2) the contribution of games and toys to the goals of a children's services library division; (3) examples of toy lending service in public…

To facilitate planning for future development of professional materials libraries in Educational Planning Region 12 of Michigan, a study was undertaken to: (1) identify the perceived needs of administrators and teachers for materials and services in professional libraries, and (2) determine the present status of holdings and services.…

The Black Heritage Public Library in Findlay, Ohio was begun by Nina Parker in 1981 to fill the gaps of black representation in American history and literature. The mission of one woman to counter the biased representation in local schools and present African-American history as a crucial piece of American history previously denied to all…

The purpose of this study is to identify strategies, policies, and practices of Ohio public libraries in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Small to medium public libraries were surveyed to gather information about the ways libraries are providing equal access to materials and services for patrons with disabilities.…

Users of the reference library at Blackhawk Community College (Illinois) were surveyed to determine user satisfaction and the total number of transactions. The survey's objective was to pinpoint problem areas, supply objective information, develop guidelines and standards, and support needed improvements or the continued maintenance of good…

Using the situation in West Africa as an example, this paper examines the role and the problems of libraries in developing countries; a problem approach, rather than a country-by-country survey, has been employed. The paper is divided into three major sections: (1) a review of colonial influence, discussing British and French attitudes towards…

This report traces the development of an in-house library program for preschoolers and out-reach media mobile program for culturally disadvantaged preschoolers. Activities philosophy, problems, and success in planning library story hours, media collection development, and out-reach program development--converting a bus into a media mobile-- are…

The chief instructional officers (CIO's) of 751 public comprehensive community colleges were surveyed to determine their perceptions of the skills and competencies necessary for junior college librarians. Respondents were asked to indicate both the desired and actual level of competency of their campus librarians in the areas of: (1) knowledge of…

Many public libraries in the United States have undertaken the planning process suggested by the Public Library Association. They have incorporated into their mission statements some of the Association's eight basic library service roles as local priorities. This study explored the relationship between the chosen service role of 12 public library…