As congressional library supporters retire, establishing new commitments for library services and funding is a priority for advocates. Highlights retiring library champions in Congress, their contributions, and current congressional librarian, Representative Major Owens. Suggests ways to secure more support--educating legislators about libraries,…

Addresses key issues that must be considered as a library begins to create a Friends group, from the group's basic purpose to infrastructure issues such as staffing, programs, and other operating costs. Concludes that functions other than fund-raising should be included. (Author/LRW)

The Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) assists the state of Alabama in the extension and improvement of public library services to areas and populations of the state which are without such services or to which such services are inadequate. Federal LSCA monies are spend on statewide projects at the Alabama Public Library Service. Projects…

The Library Service and Construction Act (LSCA) assists the state of Alabama in the extension and improvement of public library services to areas and populations of the state which are without such service or to which such services are inadequate. Federal LSCA monies are administered by the Alabama Public Library Service and are spent on local and…

The purpose of this hearing was to learn about the activities and initiatives currently funded under the Museum and Library Services Act and to examine issues pertinent to its reauthorization. This report contains statements by the following: (1) Chairman Pete Hoekstra, Subcommittee on Select Education, Committee on Education and the Workforce,…

Describes external sources of funding for public libraries to establish and maintain their technology infrastructure, telecommunications services, and network-based resources and services. Highlights include LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act); the E-rate program; and the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation U.S. Library Program. (LRW)

This report summarizes activities at the Library of Michigan in 1994. Featuring numerous photographs and capsule narratives about the year's activities, it tabulates fundraising efforts, grant monies, equipment purchases, service innovations, and attendance at special events or continuing education sessions. Topics include boards and management,…

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)

This study was designed to analyze some of the services offered by Illinois libraries serving populations of fewer than 2,500, particularly in terms of how they operate and which circulation services are used most frequently. A questionnaire was mailed to 192 libraries, with 131 or 68.2% returning usable responses. Among the general findings: (1)…

In 2000, Stately grants, earmarked to cover 50% of operational costs and purchases of mobile libraries in Norway, were proposed to be canceled. An intense lobby resulted in a transfer of operational costs to block grants. Grants toward the purchase of mobile libraries in Norway no longer exist. This paper discusses whether it is possible during…

Presents 14 tables depicting Illinois public library referenda data from fiscal year 1977/78 through November 1995. Discusses success rates in terms of even versus odd years and spring versus fall for fiscal years 1986-95. Outlines types of library referenda, including: annexation; tax increase; bond issue; establishment (district); conversion to…

Discussion of community support groups for public libraries focuses on how the Chicago Public Library developed programs with a Friends of the Library group. Describes fund-raising efforts; themes that guided the organization; developing library programs; the use of volunteers; restoring state funding after budget cuts; and building public…

The previous head of the Central Library of Riverside City and County Public Library (RCCPL) (California) examines the economic failure of the system and the effects of the move to total outsourcing to a private commercial firm, Library Systems & Services (LSSI). Concludes that RCCPL had problems long before it was outsourced to LSSI. (AEF)

This document chronicles the evolution of the Norwalk (Ohio) Public Library (established in 1866) from a small collection in an upper room in the Old Mansion Block building to a Carnegie facility which has been renovated to meet today's needs, including accessibility to the handicapped. Funding for the first reading room was provided by the Alert…

This handbook provides FY (fiscal year) 2002 guidelines developed by the Library of Michigan for applying for LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) funding. The first section provides an overview of the LSTA program. The second section gives the grant timeline for FY 2002. The third section outlines general application guidelines for all…