This essay on problems associated with library reference service and personnel discusses the pros and cons of four approaches designed to improve staff utilization and quality of performance--hiring additional staff, automation, alternative staffing arrangements, and planning and rearrangement of priorities. Fourteen sources are given. (EJS)

The 133rd meeting of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) focused on strategies for confronting critical challenges associated with the digital era and for fostering understanding from university leaders and supporters regarding the resources needed to perform successfully in this print plus digital environment. Program Session I,…

Discusses issues involved in moving a library collection based on experiences at the Fort Smith Public Library. Highlights include planning; deciding on the right time to move; measuring collection size; personnel, including professional versus volunteers and library staff; service during the move; transporting the collection; communication with…

Offers suggestions for libraries on how to develop a customer service plan to provide excellent service, create a positive environment for staff members, foster new and continued positive relationships with patrons, and evaluate customer service goals and objectives. Also discusses policies and building appearance. (Author/LRW)

This report proposes a program for orientation and training for public services staff at the Temple University Libraries. In the first section, orientation and training needs are assessed. Goals and an overview of the program are outlined in the next section. The third section describes the five program elements and objectives: (1) an individual…

This guide discusses the essentials of live virtual reference, preparing for virtual reference, and implementing and incorporating virtual reference. Chapter 1, "Understanding Live Virtual Reference," lays out what virtual reference is and how it compares to other forms of reference. Chapter 2, "Offering Live Virtual Reference," presents ten…

Describes the Booktech 2000 project that was developed at the Denver Public Library as a new work concept to improve acquisitions procedures and customer service. The short-term goal of expanding collections for new branch libraries is discussed, and new relationships with vendors are explained. (LRW)

In response to the United Nations' declaration of 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP), the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) of the American Library Association (ALA) set up an IYDP committee to carry out the objectives of the year. This document, based on state library reports and other…

Prepared as the South Carolina long range program outline required by PL 95-123, the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), this statement of objectives, policies, and programs undertaken in South Carolina for the improvement of library service is the third supplement to the South Carolina Program for Library Development, 1978-1983.…

This report presents the Library of Michigan's (LM) long term plan for the period of March, 1997 to September, 1999. The external and internal initiatives of the Board of Trustees are first highlighted. Then, following the Library of Michigan vision statement, four topics are discussed. These each include an outline of the objective and the…

This article presents results of a study to determine the role of the public library in serving young children. Recommendations from early childhood educators were obtained, and data were utilized to develop guidelines for public libraries. (Author/DB)

Describes the Teen Center at the Schaumburg Township District Library (Illinois) that was built with a sports theme. Highlights include the physical environment; the library collection, mainly recreational, that includes music CDs; the young adult population and community; hours of operation; staffing; youth participation and programs; and the…

A Fall 1981 Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members found that of 80 respondents, 60 libraries reported 123 specialty positions involving a wide range of activities. The initial document in this kit on specialty positions in ARL libraries provides findings and statistics related to…

The development of a checklist was the principal activity of the third part of a 3-phase study examining the potential of cooperative ventures and combination libraries for improving school and public library services in Florida. This report includes the checklist, which was designed for use by community members working with professional library…

Planning and moving procedures that facilitated the relocation of a medical center library collection of 30,000 book and journal volumes and 600 audiovisuals are detailed in four areas: space planning, avoidance of service disruptions, library staff morale, and physical handling of materials. An 8-item bibliography is included. (EJS)