Provides a sense of scope and direction of rural public library extension services through the presentation of a library survey dealing with bookmobile programs, books-by-mail services, and the provision of services in general. (FM)

This study, which updates the 1971 "National Survey of Library Services to the Aging," was undertaken in 1986 to identify, describe, and compare the extent and variety of current services with those in 1971; measure variables in organizational support and suggest how they might influence service; and make recommendations for future…

This review and evaluation of bookmobile service in Madison, Wisconsin (1) identifies the major issues and problems which exist in regard to urban bookmobile service in general and those which are specific to Madison; (2) evaluates the current bookmobile service against community needs, library objectives, program purposes, and cost effectiveness;…

This directory in chart form identifies Ohio public library services and resources which can be used by people with vision, hearing, mobility, and learning impairments, and those isolated because of illness or age. Data were gathered from a survey of 226 public libraries in March 1980. Introductory information summarizes the responsibility of the…

This survey investigated the services offered to older adults by public libraries in northeastern Ohio. Questionnaires were mailed to 120 public libraries in that region, and 80 (66.6%) of them were returned. The responding libraries were divided into three categories based on the size of their service population: (1) over 50,000 people (16.3%);…

A survey of gay and lesbian library services of 250 public and college libraries revealed small and insufficient collections, a lack of book lists and other guides, frequent challenges, and limited community outreach programs. Interviews with proactive responding librarians provide some strategies for change. (Author/AEF)

This long range plan for 1985-90 for the Caroline County (Maryland) Public Library emphasizes the areas of important information needs, availability of materials and information, leisure time interests, and developmental skills. Following an overview of why and how the plan evolved, four goals and their corresponding objectives are discussed: (1)…

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…

A guide for providing library services to the elderly begins with a rationale and a statement from the Adult Services Division of the American Library Association regarding services to the elderly. Then planning considerations are described, such as library board and staff, surveying needs and programs, and special problems of the elderly.…

The 1997 volume of Rural Libraries includes two issues containing seven articles. Articles are: (1) "Information Access through Electronic Databases for Rural Public Libraries" (Kitti Canepi); (2) "Bookmobiles in the Burbs" (Joyce Voss); (3) "Bookmobile Survey" (Liam Kennedy); (4) "Connections: Internet in Rural…

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 has gone into effect, many libraries are evaluating and improving their library services for people with disabilities. There are nearly 110,000 children in Missouri who receive some type of special education assistance because of physical, mental or emotional impairments. Through an anonymous…

To ascertain whether libraries are providing materials, services, and programs to their Spanish-speaking communities, a 26-item questionnaire was mailed to 37 public library directors in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Thirty-one completed questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 81%. The majority of libraries were found…

This study was the first phase of a multiple phase project to generate knowledge about the creation and rapid growth of information and referral (I&R) services in public libraries in the United States in the late 1960s and the 1970s. I&R service is defined as facilitating the link between a person with a need and the resources outside a library to…

This study surveys the current involvement of public libraries in the provision of information and referral services to the communities they serve. Data were gathered via questionnaire from 125 public libraries nationwide to ascertain their level of involvement in advocacy, case management or tracking, direct client interviewing, escort services,…

Representing the culmination of a project undertaken at the Louisiana State University School of Library and Information Science, this two-part report evaluates the feasibility of using bookmobiles as a resource expansion mechanism for public libraries in the future, and provides an overview of current bookmobile services. The report, which is…