What is the state of the public library today and what should it be in the future? The need for answers to these questions is the reason for this study. Societal factors affecting the public library are studied. The report examines the development of the public library in the 20-year span since the "Public Library Inquiry" (1950-70), and describes…

The purposes of the study which this report describes were to assist the San Francisco Public Library in further documenting the need for a new main library building, to consider financial alternatives, to recommend a site, and to develop a program of facility requirements for the future. Although not an organizational study, it has considered the…

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)

Describes the Chicago Public Library model for regional libraries and discusses the planning and implementation of the regional concept by three public libraries. Topics discussed include advantages of the regional approach, criteria for location, levels of services offered, and guidelines for deciding whether the regional approach is appropriate…

To help clarify the role of urban main libraries, visits were made to nine library systems serving populations of 500,000 to 750,000 for the purpose of exploring: (1) system priorities; (2) budgetary support for materials; (3) public service staff; and (4) materials selection procedures. Particular emphasis was placed upon the financial and…

Describes the results of a survey of rural public libraries that examined the impressions of librarians involved in establishing the role of the library, the degree to which planning is accomplished, and current socioeconomic data relevant to rural libraries. The discussion focuses on the finding that librarians are not planning for future…

Examines "A Planning Process for Public Libraries," published by the Public Library Association in 1980, discussing the mission of the public library, survey research and data collection, library goals and objectives, planning strategies, budgeting, the political environment, and output measures. Twenty-six references are cited. (EJS)

Based on the philosophy that the public library should be an integral part of the community it serves, a lively center of ideas and activities, and that it should know the community's people and groups thoroughly in order to understand its needs, this booklet has been prepared as an introduction for trustees, staff members, and lay leaders to the…

This report presents a 1975-1976 comprehensive review of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte J. Murrey Atkins Library undertaken by staff members. Data and information were gathered from faculty, student, and library surveys, interviews, and by task forces in the areas of management and structural processes, human resources, library…

The community characteristics and the present library services of the borough of Etobicoke, Ontario, were studied in order to make recommendations for improved service. It was concluded that the major changes to be expected in the area were an increasing population and increasing numbers of ethnic minority residents. It was recommended that a new…

Describes guidelines issued by the Public Library Association which base evaluation of individual public libraries on community standards rather than national; identify eight basic roles of the library within the community; and provide a suggested process for libraries and communities to assess service needs and determine which activities to…

The results of three surveys conducted in 1983--one of Texas Tech University students, one of the library staff, and one of faculty members--indicated that all three populations surveyed agreed that the library should provide bibliographic instruction for students. Preliminary profiles of user needs were developed on the basis of responses to the…

Provides background information and copies a report by Marlys Cresap and Marilyn Nickelsburg on a statewide conference of children's librarians. Highlights include a survey of children's services in Iowa libraries and presentations on the history and philosophy of children's services (Margaret Bush) and the role of children's librarians (Barbara…

This publication is intended to assist Wisconsin's public libraries and public library systems in providing service to adults with special needs (ASN). Twelve chapters cover the following topics: (1) planning for success, including planning services and measuring progress; (2) a Wisconsin vision for the future, including creating the vision and…

This paper reports the results of a study on the role of librarians in college library decision making. Emphasis is placed on the library directors' perceptions of librarians' participation in nine areas of decision making and the form of participation by librarians in these areas. The nine areas of decision making addressed by the study are: the…