Social and economic issues affecting the vitality of public libraries in California are discussed. A 1993 study by the California State Library identified diminishing reference skills and reference collections, reduced funding which impacted staffing, increased demand, technology change, and language/culture issues as contributing factors to…

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…