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…

Increased recognition of the public library in Nebraska came about in 1901 with the establishment of the Nebraska Public Library Commission. In the seventy years of the Commission's history, the number has grown to 260 public libraries. With the establishment of regional library systems on a cooperative, contractual basis in Nebraska, in 1957, all…

Based on a study of roles, organizational relationships, services and funding of the Dane County Library Service, the Madison Public Library, and the South Central Library System, this report establishes recommendations for the three library agencies as developed by a joint planning committee. The background, composition, methodology, and…

A review and analysis of the North Dakota State Library program evaluates strengths and weaknesses and makes some recommendations for future action. The review includes the history and role of the North Dakota State Library Commission as well as discussions of the state library's purposes, services, publications, resources, and lending policy. Use…

This is the report of a 1975 survey study on the information needs of adults in the service area of the Eastern Shore Regional Library, conducted to provide data for improving public library services and for future library planning. A questionnaire containing 192 steps was used in interviewing a selected sample with fair demographic representation…

Cooperative library programs in Great Britain began with suggestions made in the 1915 Adams report commissioned by the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust. Following the report's recommendations and with grants from the trust, countries began library services to rural areas and the Central Library for Students (CLS) was formed and later became a…

A review was conducted of the public library service in northeastern Ontario leading toward the revised policies and expanded regional service programs. Sociological and environmental problems of the area were analyzed and solutions were suggested. Easy access to all library resources would encourage cooperative and efficient public use. A…

During the first half of the twentieth century, there was slow but steady progress toward larger units of public library service, such as county and regional systems. But there was a lag both in the conceptual and the actual development of the central libraries of these systems as strong points for direct service to readers. Librarians were first…

This report describes a study of the Jackson-George Regional Library (JGRL) System, which serves a 2-county area in Mississippi with a population of 131,918. The purpose of the study, which built on the planning and administration goals identified in "Planning for Progress: The Long Range Plan of the Jackson George Regional Library," was to…

In 1975 a study of the Ontario (Canada) public library system was undertaken in order to develop plans for organizing, financing, and coordinating public libraries in the next ten years. From published reports, interviews, letters, and examination of facilities and available data, information was collected on provincial and county library…

The master plan for development of library services in the state of Maryland provides analyses of library collections, staff, and facilities in public libraries, public schools, and academic institutions. It identifies major strengths and weaknesses and recommends a framework of systematic progress for the years 1976-1980, setting a priority on…

The Vermont General Assembly mandated an evaluation of the regional library program of the Vermont State Department of Libraries. To carry out this charge, the department initiated a 14-month review of the program with three components: an internal review of library service, use, and costs; public library input derived from a detailed survey and…

General directions are set for the Colorado State Library and for school, academic, public, and special in the state. The results of a needs assessment study are outlined and long-range library goals are delineated. Development plans contain problem statements, goal statements, and possible strategies for solving the problem at the local, state,…

A state-wide library network was proposed for Kansas to improve library service throughout the state. A regional system of library service was established in 1965, but services and financial support have not been evenly applied to the total state population. In order to provide library and reference service to even the most isolated residents, a…