Explores the movement toward community-centered standards in public libraries. Tracks the changes of the Public Library Association's (PLA's) planning model through four incarnations, summarizes each model, and examines trends and suggests a way to use the various models together for an easier planning process. (Author/LRW)

Explores current patterns of recency, structure, intent, scaling, and planning and measurement in state library standards. Ways that four states--Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, and Ohio--have adapted basic standards elements are considered, and issues in linking planning and measurement to standards are discussed. (MES)

This manual was developed to formalize Inglewood Public Library's existing policies and programs regarding library services to the Spanish speaking, and to define future program goals. The introduction discusses why such services have been initiated, why the manual was developed, and the potential benefits the manual has for library…

The efforts of the Chicago Public Library during the years 1976-80 will focus on: (1) evaluating, improving, and adjusting existing programs and developing new programs; (2) cooperating with other agencies and organizations in the community; (3) improving the functioning of the library as a research and reference center for the state; and (4)…

Community analysis has been a prescribed tool of public librarianship for over 25 years. Although its value has been recognized in published public library standards, librarians have rarely used this method of improving library services. Emphasis is placed upon the need for the development of a community analysis methodology for librarians. It is…

The master plan for public library reform and development as drawn up by the Library Council of Victoria is discussed in this report to the state government. Recommendations are made for the improvement of service, facilities and organizations. Suggestions for moving the archives section to a new Public Records Authority are discussed. Minimum…

Discusses "The New Planning for Results" manual published by the American Library Association that helps create local standards of public library service, and provides implementation examples based on experiences in Vermont. Highlights include evaluating community needs; service responses to those needs; developing library objectives;…

This collection provides summaries of documents on which the policies of the Oklahoma County Libraries System are based, the "Statement of Purpose and Goals," and "Policy for Selection of Materials," as well as brief descriptions of procedures for materials selection and handling complaints or suggestions from patrons.…

As institutional roles change in response to contemporary pressures on them, new opportunities arise for combining forces to achieve common objectives. With today's technological revolution in handling information, the role of the public library is both challenged and reaffirmed. Resources may be allocated from state and national levels of…

Library surveys are a means to an objective examination of the library and its services, helping to clarify the purposes that are being served and to assess the methods of providing these services. This survey was undertaken as a cooperative project of the seven public libraries of Summit County, Ohio. Its purpose was to develop a long-range plan…

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)

Reviews history of public library standards development and needs. Publications dealing with accreditation, measurement of effective library service, alternatives to standards, state and national standards, and a planning process manual are discussed. Twenty-four references are provided. (EJS)

A comparison is made between adult services offered by public library branches located in school buildings and the services offered by independently housed branches. No recommendations are made but the report presents a summary of replies received to questionnaires sent to 70 public library systems that have branches in schools, and to 84 main…

Objectives of this survey were: (1) to review existing data on public library progress in Kansas since 1956 and to identify needs for further study, (2) to relate the data to public library standards and to the purpose of the Library Services and Construction Act, and (3) to recommend guidelines for planning for state-wide library development. It…

The concept of total planning as applied in this presentation refers to planning as a part of library organization. It is felt that greater care should be taken at top-level planning to ensure that some proportion of the income and credit available is allocated to various services to allow departmental planning to be carried out effectively. This…