As background for defining public library adult services in the 1980s the perceived role of the public library in the United States since its inception is summarized and changing definitions are analyzed. Data collection and analysis plans for the Adult Services in the Eighties Project are described. (EM)

The Florida Library History Project (FLHP) began in January 1998. Letters requesting histories were sent to all public libraries in Florida with follow-up letters sent after an initial response was received from the libraries. E-mail messages were sent out to FL-LIB listservs encouraging participation in the project. A poster session was presented…

This paper describes the development from 1963 to 1986 of the Clark County (Nevada) Library District, which includes the rapidly growing urban area of Las Vegas. It notes that, besides responding successfully to a population growth of 330% over two decades, the system was also able to fulfill its original goal of developing local libraries that…

Analyzes a survey of Irish librarians and discusses the development of librarianship in Ireland. Highlights include historical background, Library Association of Ireland, Library Council, Department of Library and Information Studies at University College Dublin (Ireland), National Library of Ireland, and Trinity College Library (Ireland).…

Considers the increase in the variety of electronic reference options in academic libraries based on surveys of ARL (Association of Research Libraries) members. Discusses online catalogs; CD-ROM databases; World Wide Web access; and changes in library instruction, including formal instruction, point-of-use instruction, and Internet instruction.…

Looks at the historical development of school librarian training in Canada and Great Britain; examines types of institutions with training programs and program content; compares the librarian's role in the two countries and isolates factors that determined those roles; and highlights recent difficulties, developments, and movement toward consensus…

Presents a historical background of effects that the end of the Cold War had on Slavic and East European collections, and focuses on declines in the acquisition of new materials via blanket orders and exchanges. Examines results of a survey of Slavic librarians to determine acquisition sources. Tables display survey responses. (JMV)

The study, prepared for the Learning Resources Branch (LRB) of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), includes a brief history of library statistical programs of the Office of Education and the National NCES, 1870-1978; the uses of library statistics by the Office of Libraries and Learning Resources (OLLR) of the Office of Education…

Describes the 1927 American Library Association's job classification and compensation plan, which attempted to identify job duties and minimum qualifications for the entire library profession. The development of the plan, problems with the research methodology used, and the relevance of the plan to current problems in librarianship are discussed.…

A history of school libraries in England and Wales shows progress to be inconsistent, with centers of excellence the exception rather than the rule. Only when high-quality school libraries are clearly linked to effective learning will the teaching profession become firmly committed to the resource center's role in the school. (EM)

Analyzes the responses from 1,554 Carnegie public libraries that responded to a survey designed to determine the present status of their buildings. Data by state show buildings still being used as libraries and those used for other purposes, and the preservation of at least one original Carnegie building is recommended. (LRW)

Examines reading habits of Estonians with studies dating back to the 1960s and discusses the impact of the printed word on culture. Focuses on changes since the Estonian's transition to the market economy: (1) reading has become casual and less frequent; (2) literary preferences have shifted; and (3) smaller home libraries have increased the need…

Describes the use of library surveys as a tool for library planning in the United States from the late 19th century to the present. Different eras of library planning in the United States are identified, and the weaknesses and strengths of the survey method are discussed. (CLB)

Reports research related to cataloging costs: (1) a comparison of length and complexity of Library of Congress cataloging copy between 1956 and 1981; (2) a survey of cataloging costs at academic libraries; and (3) cataloging costs and salaries since 1876 compared with the rate of inflation. The questionnaire and list of libraries surveyed are…

Analyzes sociological research conducted by Kazakhstan libraries between 1991 and 1994. Highlights include discussions on the sociology of reading, research results, and library facilities. It was found that reading is characterized by frequent changes in demands of readers caused by dramatic shifts in ideology, politics, and economics in the…