Reports on a use of computer-aided instruction and multimedia technology in an outpatient library to meet the information needs of people who have severe and persistent mental illnesses. Topics include funding, special needs related to schizophrenia, computers in mental health rehabilitation, collection development, and library usage. (Author/LRW)

Describes an exploratory study of government agency libraries that was conducted as a first step in the development of a theoretical framework to study the role of information provision by libraries in policy-making contexts. The library functions discussed include tracking issues and clientele, retrieving relevant information for clientele, and…

Explores how public libraries have dealt with the AIDS epidemic, examines the publication of articles on AIDS in periodicals and books, and reports the results of a survey of public libraries that was conducted to determine when and how librarians have responded to information needs on the AIDS epidemic. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the need to develop new models for collection development in academic libraries, based on experiences at the University of Arizona. Highlights include changes in the organizational chart; focusing on users' information goals and needs; integrative services; shared resources; interlibrary loans; digital technology; and funding. (LRW)

Results of this examination of the information needs and gathering behavior of social scientists, especially historians, suggests that existing library and information services may be based on a misunderstanding of their needs. Factors that need to be studied are identified, and research models are suggested. (CLB)

Describes programs developed at Houston Public Library to meet information needs of the immigrant population. Highlights include serving students, children's and young adult collections of foreign language materials, folklore and cultural materials, developing staff expertise, English-language materials, audiovisual support materials, and foreign…

Four articles discuss library services to diverse user groups. Highlights include the Seattle Public Library's Human Diversity Training Program for library staff; cultural diversity at the University of Northern Colorado, including library collection development; information needs of physicists in special libraries; and library services to…

Describes a needs assessment conducted at Oregon State University libraries to guide the design, content, and development of a natural resources digital library. Highlights include user profile; identification of questions; face-to-face interviews; workshops with users; current sources for relevant information; users' information needs; ability to…

Describes series of videocassette projects introduced in 1982 by the King County Library System (Seattle, Washington) leading to current collection of over 5,600 tapes. Population in library system's service area, exploration of marketplace, purchasing, library role, product packaging, circulation and overdue policies, demand for tapes, and…

Examines library service to young people in rural libraries in New York State with references to services provided by rural libraries and librarians in other parts of the nation. Planning, standards, collection development, selection of culturally diverse materials, work with preschoolers, computer literacy, and library associations are discussed.…

With the concerns of off-campus students and faculty in mind, the Wyoming Academic Deans Council sponsored a conference to examine the issues of library services to these populations. Personnel from the Wyoming State Library and several public libraries also attended the 2-day conference. This document comprises the full text of six papers…

Discusses teenage pregnancy and sexuality and suggests ways in which librarians can help provide access to appropriate and needed information. Highlights include developing policies and procedures for dealing with sexual issues, collection development, organizing information and making it accessible, and a brief teen pregnancy bibliography. (LRW)

Discusses the history and findings of the National Commission on Library and Information Science's field investigations of library services for Native Americans. Concerns include literacy, collecting strengths, extent of library services, professional training for librarians, federal support, and access to collections both on and off reservations.…

Compiled by the Maricopa County Library Council, Inc., a countywide library planning body made up of representatives of the various sizes and types of libraries in Maricopa County, Arizona, this planning document describes the current level of development in the county's public libraries and presents recommended development goals for college,…

Discusses scientific communication; the information needs and information-seeking behavior of scientists; the role of the science librarian, including collection development, resource sharing, and information literacy and bibliographic instruction; and document delivery, including interlibrary loan and technological awareness. (LRW)