This paper examines the place of public libraries in supporting distance learners in Makerere University, exploring the factors which affect utilisation of their services. The study adopted a survey design with 300 B.Ed. students, collecting data through focus group discussions, structured questionnaires and individual interviews.

Introduction: Teachers in Finland are demanded to develop students' competencies in information literacy. However, they can meet this demand only by collaborating with public librarians. The aim in this case study was to explore the perspectives of teachers, librarians and students in a problem-based project and to analyse the advantages and…

Describes the results of a study that investigated career decision making by adolescents. Discusses theoretical frameworks for this study, describes information sources used by questionnaire respondents, and suggests ways in which the public library's role could be expanded. (Author/LRW)

Describes a survey of Ontario (Canada) medium-sized businesses that was conducted to investigate the impact of the public library on business success and discusses results that found a significant relationship between public library use and business success. A copy of the questionnaire used is appended. (Author/LRW)

Describes procedures used by the St. Paul Public Library (Minnesota) to gather input from patrons to use in developing a new strategic plan. The use of group interviews and a survey to identify which roles of the library were important to users and which services supported each role is explained. (two references) (LRW)

The socioeconomic makeup of the community served by the Mott Public Library, Toledo, Ohio is described in detail. An account of the library's services and programs, in connection with their "disadvantaged" patrons, as well as the author's personal difficulties in establishing a citizens' advisory committee and an unsuccessful branch…

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…

This institute aims to help librarians create change in themselves and in their communities in order to achieve a re-establishment of the public library as a functional and needed institution within the community of the New England region. Forty librarians in leadership positions participated; these librarians were selected from each New England…

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…

Explores the information needs of gay males in Edmonton (Alberta) and their perceptions of how successful the Edmonton Public Library is in meeting their needs. Data from self-administered questionnaires is reported, and findings indicate that when "coming out" the library was the most significant resource; however, there was…

This report is an evaluation of the Silver Edition II Project, a program to offer library-centered humanities programming to older adults. In the program local scholars in seven geographically dispersed library systems led discussion groups made up of 20 to 25 participating older adults. This evaluation focuses on the stated goals of the project:…

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…

This study investigated the construct of effectiveness as it applies to public libraries and developed a methodology that can be transferred to other types of libraries and organizations. The research team began by compiling a list of indicators that are commonly used to gauge library effectiveness within the areas of: (1) services access; (2)…

Examines changes in the perceptions of public library children's services by library professionals through a content analysis of entries in "Library Literature" since 1958 which refer to children's library services and populations served. The opinions of current library administrators are compared to those of 100 years ago. (EM)

This comprehensive report details the activities of a study which investigated public, public secondary school, community college, academic, state institutional, and state library agencies, in order to: (1) assess the current status of libraries in literacy education; (2) determine an expanded role for libraries in literacy education; and (3)…