Explains the process of community development and points out ways in which a librarian's knowledge of the community can be enhanced by this community planning process if librarians involve themselves in the identification of community problems and participate in their solution. (Author/PF)

Compares the sources of library income and the user characteristics of education, occupation, and income to assess who pays for the library and who uses it. Unequal tax-to-tax ratios throughout the population are discussed. (JVP)

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…

This study explored the relationship between expanded information and referral (I&R) services and traditional reference services in public libraries in North Carolina. Results show librarians feel I&R services should be limited to those closely related to traditional reference services. Other I&R services typically provided by social…

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…

This digest discusses ways in which public libraries deal with latchkey children who spend their after-school hours at public libraries while their parents are at work. Research conducted in 1990 of 110 public libraries revealed that almost all libraries encountered unattended children after school hours, and that most libraries surveyed were not…

The object of this statement by the Australian Advisory Council on Bibliographical Services is to inform the Commonwealth Government of the need for greatly increased financial support for libraries directly serving the public. It is not the intention to analyze the present position in full detail, but simply to adduce evidence that an examination…

This survey of public library use in Arthur, Illinois, reveals that 14 percent of nearby Amish population have purchased nonresident, family library cards. Comparison with rural populations in downstate Illinois and library use in Ohio Amish settlements suggests changes in Amish culture and role of public libraries near Amish settlements. Includes…

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)

At the request of the Chief Officers of the State Library Agencies, the Gallup Organization, Inc. studied attitudes and behavior concerning the use of public libraries in America and reported their findings. In the first phase of this national survey, 1,561 adult men and women were asked their sources of information; the extent to which the…

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…

One of three reports from Australia's Community Information Sharing Service (CISS), this evaluation discusses several aspects of a CISS study which was conducted to obtain a factual overview of community information services currently being provided by public libraries in New South Wales, and to develop guidelines for public library participation…

Report on survey of 160 public libraries highlights characteristics of libraries involved in literacy education, incentives and barriers, services provided, populations served, library staff, materials and equipment, library participation in cooperative literacy efforts, and budget and funding sources. A recommended approach to library involvement…