A survey of 125 public library directors in Indiana laid the groundwork for a future study of change in the public library. Data were gathered on the background characteristics of the libraries and directors; directors' perceptions of change; and utilization of formal planning processes. A copy of the questionnaire is appended. (27 references)…

This handbook is designed to be used as a quick reference and to provide Nevada public library trustees with basic information for helping Nevada public libraries increase their services to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the people of Nevada. The handbook consists of the following chapters: Take Time to Learn the…

Discusses the role of the library director as entrepreneur, defined as one who shifts economic resources from areas of lower productivity to areas of greater yield. The importance of this role during a time of austerity is highlighted, and six examples of directors acting as entrepreneurs are presented. (Contains 12 references.) (KRN)

Only 1 in 20 library directors serving communities of fewer than 2,500 people have an Master of Library Science degree or equivalent. This article examines problems facing small and rural public libraries and the necessity for a new form of librarianship brought about by the Internet. Proposes a professional action plan for library staff…

Describes recent changes in the District of Columbia Public Library. Highlights include the search and appointment of a new director; financial problems; past managerial problems; needed technology updates; the impact of municipal government problems; and a sidebar with a biography of the new director, Molly Raphael. (LRW)

Discussion of the relationship between public library directors and the board of trustees highlights the library trustee and director survey that was conducted in Pennsylvania in 1994 to identify potential areas of conflict. Topics include the effect of library size, library planning, policy development, purchasing decisions, personnel issues, and…

This manual is designed to give public library trustees basic information on the structure of library service in Michigan, with emphasis on the trustees' major areas of responsibility, in order to help trustees understand and fulfill their obligations. In particular, the "Action Checklist" at the end of each chapter is designed to assist…

Presents transcript of interviews with three administrators of small rural libraries. Highlights include state and national encouragement of marketing efforts; funding for in-service education for rural public librarians; changing roles of rural public libraries; library standards; and advice for newly appointed directors. (LRW)

This study was designed to determine: (1) whether the 5-year planning cycle described in the 1980 manual "A Planning Process for Public Libraries" is being used in North Carolina's public libraries; (2) whether output measures described in a second publication released in 1982 are being collected in the state's public libraries; (3) the…

This manual is designed to give public library trustees basic information on the structure of library service in Michigan, with emphasis on the trustees' major areas of responsibility, in order to help trustees understand and fulfill their obligations. In particular, the "Action Checklist" at the end of each chapter is designed to assist…

Librarians must find ways to meet the information needs of patrons with various disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act codified what librarians have long espoused: equal access to information for people with any type of disabling condition. This study's objective was to identify and examine current or planned programs dealing with staff…

Reports on a study of the diffusion of the Public Library Association's planning process. Two surveys are described: one of state library development agencies that determined techniques used to disseminate planning information; and one of small public libraries that determined the extent to which they had received and were using the planning…

The director of the Public Library of Nashville & Davidson County (Tennessee) discusses the library's development since 1995. Highlights include Nashville's growth potential and political climate; improving the efficiency of internal operations; staff involvement in problem-solving (technology training and systemwide programming);…

Library board members are an integral part of public libraries. Because of the importance of their role, this handbook gives library trustees in Oklahoma a basic understanding of their responsibilities and power. It contains useful information about developing policy, the board/director relationship, funding, intellectual freedom, library laws,…