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)

The purpose of this study is to identify users of Pennsylvania public libraries and determine their reasons for using the library. In addition, the study provides information describing the impacts and benefits to those users as a result of their contact with the public library. The objectives were to: (1) describe users in terms of their…

The purpose of this study was to document the educational activities being offered to citizens of all ages through Indiana's 239 public libraries. A mail questionnaire was distributed to every main library and branch in the state, requesting information on the kinds and numbers of education-related services and programs provided in 1987, and…

Describes the Lippincott Library (Warton School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) online chat reference service for students/faculty/staff to ask questions through chat and get an immediate response using a commercial service provided by LivePerson. LivePerson is a real-time text interface between the user who seeks information and the operator…

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the economic impacts and benefits of Florida public libraries. The study objectives were to: describe the role of public libraries in economic development; identify and describe the range of specific activities and programs engaged in to support economic development; identify factors that…

A 1990 New York State Assembly bill requiring a $27.7 million increase in the local assistance budget for libraries for 1990-1991 reflects the priorities of the 1990 New York State Regents Legislative Program for Libraries and the State Department of Education to promote "better beginnings" for New Yorkers. The bill would increase aid…

The Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) surveyed 119 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members to gather information about current distance education and distance learning initiatives in ARL libraries. The objectives of the survey were to: (1) identify libraries involved in distance education activities and determine the extent or…

This illustrated publication, printed in both English and Finnish, describes Finland's libraries and information services. Topics covered include: (1) library users; (2) the conceptual role of the library; (3) the growth and development of the library system through Finland's agrarian, industrial, and budding infotech social phases; (4) the…

Examines the need for adequate library services to support distance education students based on Deakin University (Australia) experiences with off-campus postgraduate students and overseas students. Topics discussed include library borrowing statistics; costs; interlibrary loans; staff assistance; use of the library delivery service; problems with…

This master plan for Colorado academic libraries assesses current strengths and weaknesses of public and private academic libraries in the state and forecasts the role of academic libraries in support of higher education. The plan consists of a series of recommendations divided into six related and overlapping sections: access, collection…

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL), in partnership with Geographic Information System (GIS) vendors and foundations launched the GIS Literacy Project in 1992. This SPEC Kit and Flyer provide results from a survey conducted to examine how, in the years since the GIS Literacy Project began, ARL libraries have organized their delivery of…

This study was conducted to determine how library users in California say library use helps them. While most library effectiveness studies infer effectiveness by looking at the movement of materials or reports of user satisfaction, this study proceeds from the assumption that libraries need to know how library use helps in user terms. The study…

Seventeen issues of a newsletter on recent library statistics in Colorado highlight the following topics: the role of academic and public libraries in distance education; measures taken by public libraries with mill levies to exempt their income/expenditures from restrictions; after-school operations in library media centers; library media…

This statistical analysis report from the National Center for Education Statistics examines the current state of school libraries in the United States and how they have changed. The primary source of data in this report is the 1993-94 Library Survey, the first federally sponsored survey of library media centers and head librarians in elementary…

The first part of a two-part review of research related to school library media collections summarizes studies with implications for budgets and collection size, the selection process, collection policies, and the librarian as censor. A table compares data on holdings and expenditures for schools providing high-level library service with national…