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)

Describes the process followed in developing the materials selection policy used by the Leon County Public Library, so as to demonstrate how a policy responsive to adult interests evolved and continues to change as adult needs and interests change. Seven references are listed. (Author/LLS)

A Library Journal survey of 2000 public libraries investigated adult book expenditures and circulation. This article presents statistics on purchasing power and circulation, sources used for purchasing decisions, where books are purchased, top circulating genres, topics of increased patron and librarian interest, topics being weeded and replaced,…

Two surveys were conducted in 1981/82 and 1982 respectively to determine if Illinois public libraries were satisfying their patrons in terms of book use, and how much money Illinois public libraries received directly from their patrons in library fines, fees, and charges. In the first study, 2,133 adults returning a book at a random sample of 71…

These papers on reading research in the socialist countries were delivered at a conference held in Budapest, Hungary, in October of 1974. Included are the text of the introductory address and papers on the following topics: (1) the library and society; (2) the library as it relates to students, teachers, and engineers; (3) the role and…

This is the report of a 1975 survey study on the information needs of adults in the service area of the Eastern Shore Regional Library, conducted to provide data for improving public library services and for future library planning. A questionnaire containing 192 steps was used in interviewing a selected sample with fair demographic representation…

This study was conducted in l978/79 to test the hypothesis that the circulation of books put in a prominent display location would increase because of the tendency of adults to select books in public libraries by browsing, rather than looking for specific titles. The circulation of all copies of a sample of ll5 titles from the adult individual…

This publication is intended to assist Wisconsin's public libraries and public library systems in providing service to adults with special needs (ASN). Twelve chapters cover the following topics: (1) planning for success, including planning services and measuring progress; (2) a Wisconsin vision for the future, including creating the vision and…

This report presents the results of a survey which sought information about Texas public libraries' experiences with censorship. Of the 61 librarians surveyed, 59 responded. The survey results identify: (1) the representativeness of the libraries surveyed by percent of population served; (2) the respondents, grouped by library system; (3) the…

To ascertain current status of academic library services to support literacy education, a survey was conducted using 20 pairs of community college and four-year college libraries in eight eastern states. Results revealed that all colleges in sample have literacy-related programs and that nearly all programs received library support. (11…

A survey was conducted to determine the reading and library use patterns of adults 18 years of age or older. One hundred subjects chosen by a random sample technique were individually questionned by the researcher and data were tabulated by computer using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). A profile of the respondent was…

Describes results of a 1986 survey of adult public library users in Mississippi. Data are reported on occupation, age groups, sex, level of education, frequency of visits, and services used; and results are compared with the findings of surveys of public library patrons in other states. A copy of the questionnaire is included. (six references)…

Published in Danish with an English abstract and summary, this report amplifies the information on the use of public libraries included in previous leisure time research by describing a survey of more than 4,000 members of the Danish population. Users as well as non-users were interviewed, including children. The report is subdivided according to…

As part of a larger state survey of public attitudes toward libraries in Colorado, conducted in 1973, this report presents data gathered from interviews with a sample of Colorado adults who are not currently enrolled in any program of formal education. The initial section of this report deals with how often, how, and why nonstudents use all types…

Survey results of adult library use indicate that educational, family life cycle, and environmental factors, in that order of importance, affect the rate of adult library use. (DS)