Reviews the recent American Library Association publication, "Planning and Role Setting for Public Libraries: A Manual of Options and Procedures," noting omissions in its approach. Several reasons for including the larger library community in the planning process are discussed. (MES)

Identifies the role of the trustee in the public library and the responsibilities that accompany it. (Author/LLS)

This essay addresses the ambiguity and confusion arising out of two values that have been embodied in American public library ideology since at least the last quarter of the nineteenth century: concept of the public library as community institution; the public library's emphasis on service to the individual. (27 references) (EJS)

Summarizes some of the considerations that face library planners as they study the role that public libraries can play in meeting needs of immigrants. Eight references are cited. (FM)

Presents a draft of a statement articulating the American Library Association's goals for the White House Conference on Library and Information Services in the areas of libraries' social value, library funding, literacy programs, outreach policies, national planning, and access to information. (FM)

Explores the relationship between Public Library Association (PLA) planning and the themes of literacy, productivity, and democracy that were chosen by the White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS). Discussion is based on data collected by the Public Library Data Service (PLDS) that examine current library services in…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit, an update of a 1975 kit, considers trends in the development and use of goals and objectives statements in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member institutions, as illustrated in documents received in response to an August 1979 SPEC survey. The kit comprises: documents on developing…

Reviews the history of the relationship between OCLC and the regional networks, and examines current stresses in this relationship. Strategies that might be used to preserve this partnership are suggested. (1 reference) (Author/CLB)

Representatives of six vendors of online library systems address key issues related to system performance: designing, configuring and sizing systems; establishing performance criteria; using benchmark and acceptance tests; the risks of miscalculations; vendor, consultant, and library roles; and related topics. (Author/EM)

Five library consultants address issues that affect online system performance: options in system design that relate to diverse library requirements; criteria that most affect performance; benchmark tests and sizing criteria; minimalizing the risks of miscalculation; and the roles and responsibilities of vendors, libraries, and consultants.…

As background for defining public library adult services in the 1980s the perceived role of the public library in the United States since its inception is summarized and changing definitions are analyzed. Data collection and analysis plans for the Adult Services in the Eighties Project are described. (EM)

Explores issues related to the role of libraries in the diffusion of knowledge and offers a critique of proposals for a national information policy. Twenty-seven references are cited. (FM)

Discusses the need for strategic goal setting for libraries and information services and the relationship of this process to evolving technologies. The role of the library in a changing society is examined, the value of library services is considered, and a model for change is proposed. (nine references) (LRW)

Coauthor of two widely cited manuals on public library planning and evaluation says continued reliance on the works may be detrimental and suggests five additional areas to include in a revised planning manual: future visioning; locally developed service roles; planning for technology; managing evaluation data; and community needs assessment.…

Developed through a joint effort of the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL), this planning approach to library development is designed to lead a public library through the developmental process and identify a series of actions that will direct it toward planning for excellence. Introductory material…