Discusses challenges to bookmobile and public library service. Topics include needed flexibility of the library organization and employees, redefining existing services in light of emerging competition for funds and customers, direct competitors, and library services aligning with mission. (LRW)

Examines the library's efforts to refashion its bookmobile services. User studies convinced the staff of the Memphis/Shelby County (TN) public library system that its bookmobile fleet should be expanded with smaller, multipurpose vehicles, service child care centers, visit housing authority properties, and provide literacy training. Includes a…

Describes the concept of the Tailgate Library, as developed by a library serving the eastern part of rural Glenn County, California. Lessons learned include: it is possible to provide limited mobile library service without the cost of a bookmobile; personalities of the driver and assistant are critical in building relationships with the people…

To improve its service, the Offa (Nigeria) township library conducted a user study. The investigation found that 51% of users were students ages 19 and below and that 78% were males. Most users wanted extended hours, improved newspaper collections, more accurate shelving, and a consistent lending policy for all materials and users. (PEN)

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…

The 1997 volume of Rural Libraries includes two issues containing seven articles. Articles are: (1) "Information Access through Electronic Databases for Rural Public Libraries" (Kitti Canepi); (2) "Bookmobiles in the Burbs" (Joyce Voss); (3) "Bookmobile Survey" (Liam Kennedy); (4) "Connections: Internet in Rural…

Describes results of a survey of rural public libraries that was conducted to determine what technology is currently available and in use. Highlights include library personnel education; cataloging and other areas of technical services; reference services; online databases; and suggestions for further studies. A copy of the questionnaire…

Examines how rural librarians view librarianship and libraries, and the future of both. A total of 441 surveys were sent out; 232 were analyzed. Findings indicate rural librarians are overwhelmingly positive about the profession and its future. The major obstacle facing rural libraries is a lack of education to cope with changes the information…

Discusses various aspects of public library funding, including strategic planning; understanding the needs of the community; community-based fundraising; local tax support; financial management, including identifying costs for services and maximizing the use of current resources; and identifying funding sources. (LRW)

Provides an overview of library cooperatives in Illinois. Considers their relationship to rural public libraries, previous attempts at evaluating cooperative systems, and current evaluation standards. Analyzes the results of a survey on the effectiveness of library cooperatives in Illinois with regard to continuing education, consultants'…

This serial examines problems and possibilities in rural library delivery of reading materials and information services. Typical articles cover: (1) research findings on recent changes and industralization in rural America; (2) role of the rural librarian in community development; (3) cooperation between rural libraries and rural public schools;…

Describes the historical background, structure, and services of OCLC. Ways in which OCLC can assist small rural libraries in meeting users' needs are discussed, including cataloging, access to a wide range of library resources, access to CD-ROM technology, and provision of a major resource sharing tool through the "Online Union Catalog"…

This document consists of the two issues of the biannual serial "Rural Libraries" published during 1992. The issues contain three articles and seven speeches and conference papers. The articles describe: (1) how strong community support led to the development of a library on the Glasgow campus of Western Kentucky University; (2) a report of the…

These volumes report on investigation, activities, and viewpoints related to rural library service. Topics covered are the role of rural libraries, the needs and characteristics of its users, the characteristics of its trustees, difference in operation and information service between rural and urban libraries, and the role of technology in helping…