In November 1994, directors of Alabama's 21 public library systems were surveyed to determine their experiences with, and opinions of, the 1988 "Standards for Public Library Service in Alabama." Replies were received from nine (34%) of the directors. Directors were provided with a list of 15 ways in which they might have used the system…

The purposes of the study which this report describes were to assist the San Francisco Public Library in further documenting the need for a new main library building, to consider financial alternatives, to recommend a site, and to develop a program of facility requirements for the future. Although not an organizational study, it has considered the…

The Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) of Minneapolis/St. Paul was formed through an agreement among local library districts to share collections, services, and loans. During the formative years of the program, state aid for regional library development was apportioned to local branches on a per capita basis. Since this method did not…

Describes the Chicago Public Library model for regional libraries and discusses the planning and implementation of the regional concept by three public libraries. Topics discussed include advantages of the regional approach, criteria for location, levels of services offered, and guidelines for deciding whether the regional approach is appropriate…

To help clarify the role of urban main libraries, visits were made to nine library systems serving populations of 500,000 to 750,000 for the purpose of exploring: (1) system priorities; (2) budgetary support for materials; (3) public service staff; and (4) materials selection procedures. Particular emphasis was placed upon the financial and…

Discusses library circulation figures as a reflection of the success of library services and describes merchandising techniques that have produced a 137 percent circulation increase at Queens Borough Public Library over the past seven years. Merchandising techniques such as minibranches, displays, signage, dumps, and modified shelving are…

Faced with task duplication in its public branch libraries, the Library Council of Victoria, Australia, undertook a feasibility study called Technilib to determine whether a central cataloging and processing bureau should be established. Consultants considered the practicality and expense of introducing a centralized cataloging service using the…

This monograph concerns a research project which employs survey and evaluation techniques to design a delivery system for library services for a low-income neighborhood. The research includes surveys of library users and of residents of the neighborhood, interviews with local organization representatives, and an evaluation of present library…

This report summarizes the "Public Library Facilities Master Plan for Metropolitan Dade County," prepared by Nelson Associates (ED 027 053). Some of the proposals of the master plan which are summarized in this report state that: (1) by 1985, a fourth and possibly a fifth regional library ought to be built to serve Dade County's…

The community characteristics and the present library services of the borough of Etobicoke, Ontario, were studied in order to make recommendations for improved service. It was concluded that the major changes to be expected in the area were an increasing population and increasing numbers of ethnic minority residents. It was recommended that a new…

Presents statistics from 1978 survey of public library patrons concerning relationship between distance and library usage and compares them with results from 1968 survey. Data for branch libraries showing effects of age, education, and mode of transportation used are discussed, and three specific contexts are examined. Seven sources are cited.…

A branch library community analysis study identifies library users and nonusers, determines the area of service, and serves as a pilot project for a larger systemwide study. Significant findings suggest that users may be identified by their degree of participation in socio-cultural activities and adult education programs rather than demographic…

The Public Libraries Survey has been conducted annually since 1988 by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) through the Federal-State Cooperative System for Public Library Data (FSCS). The survey collects identifying information and basic data on public libraries (8946 in 1992) and their outlets in the United States; identifying…

Reports the findings of a questionnaire distributed to public libraries that serve populations over 100,000 that addressed the professional information needs of librarians. Three major areas are discussed: topics for staff involvement on a national level; conference program formats conducive for such involvement; and major concerns of public…

Presents an overview of the benefits of portable library structures and discusses results of a national survey of 16 public library systems representing 18 portable facilities. Findings relate to common locations, user groups, cost effectiveness, advantages, and staff reactions. (Contains 10 references.) (EAM)