This paper takes a theoretical and practical approach in defining the "problem" of homelessness in libraries. The author examines three fundamental problems on homelessness. The three fundamental questions are: (a) Who are the homeless? (b) Why are they homeless? (c) What are their information needs in libraries? These questions are important in…

Describes a survey of public libraries that examined the phenomenon of latchkey children. Findings discussed include the estimated number of latchkey children in public libraries, effects on the library, library policies, and services provided and recommended for latchkey children. Specific recommendations to help public libraries clarify their…

Discussion of financing database searching in the public library examines the role of the public library in providing access to information; costs of online services; and user fees. Techniques that a library can use to control online services and deliver them at a minimum cost are suggested. (eight references) (MES)

Explores the issue of intellectual freedom and the role of the library in the community, and the extent to which community attitudes and values should influence library policy. A specific incident involving a public library exhibit of materials on gay rights in Durham, North Carolina, is described. (CLB)

Examines literature on latchkey children and public libraries, and reviews solutions to this issue. Presents four recommendations to help public libraries clarify their role in serving latchkey children: educate personnel regarding appropriate services, develop a written policy, reevaluate programs and services, become involved in a community task…

Discusses the mission of public libraries in light of the decision to purchase Madonna's book "Sex." Three viewpoints are presented: a critic of selection policies that are too broad in the name of intellectual freedom; the director of a small public library with a limited budget; and a library historian. (Contains 18 references.) (LRW)

Describes a survey of public librarians that examined their understanding and use of bibliographic instruction and their beliefs about the role of instruction in reference services. No consensus was found, but respondents' views seemed to be mediated by training in bibliographic instruction, library size, and the library's policy on user…

Describes the collection development plan implemented by the Tulsa City-County Library system to support their perception of the role of the library as providing more than recreational reading. Topics discussed include raising staff consciousness, rejecting demand buying, evaluating the collection, streamlining acquisitions, and procedures for…

The purpose of this research was to explore the possible roles and responsibilities that public libraries might assume in the National Information Infrastructure (NII). Data was collected from September 1994 through June 1995, relying on the following data collection techniques: focus groups, personal interviews, survey data analysis, case…

This handbook for library trustees identifies the duties and responsibilities of library boards and librarians, the qualifications of an effective library and of a library board, and library policy requirements. The concept of intellectual freedom, the Library Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to Read Statement are discussed, and the role of the…

This book represents the thoughts and experiences of librarians and academics on the changing role of libraries in a global networked community. The first section of the book looks at the agendas for national libraries in a digital world. Issues covered include content and delivery, national policy and practice and strategies for success in a…

This manual discusses the issue of intellectual freedom as it pertains to library policy and practice and offers guidelines for ensuring the right to read. It is intended for the public librarian or school library media specialist who needs to develop new policies or update existing policies. The book is divided into 10 chapters. Chapter 1 looks…

Designed to assist individual public libraries in the development of policies and procedures, these guidelines include examples and/or samples of points that should be considered and addressed in a policy manual. Following a brief introduction, the guide is divided into four sections, each of which contains a set of general policy statements…

It has been observed that one historical role of the public library is serving the nation's youth. Current economic and social conditions have created the phenomenon of the "latchkey child"--the school-aged child who has no parent or guardian at home after school hours and has no alternative care arrangement. In light of this, this…

American Library Association Goal 2000 fails to resolve conflicting theoretical perspectives about the purpose and scope of public library services. While allowing for temporary unity of political action, ALA Goal 2000 may create contradictory service priorities that confuse both the public and librarians. Strengths and weaknesses of the social…