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)…

Describes a study that used survey questionnaire and case study methodologies to compare proportional relationships among services to children, teenagers, and adults in California public libraries during fiscal years 1977-78 and 1982-83. It is concluded that the findings both support and refute the belief that youth services received limited…

Presents summaries of 1996 budget reports from public libraries, divided by nine geographic regions of the United States. Data indicates that gains in total budgets are 6%; materials 7.1%; salaries 5.6%; and that fundraising has become a crucial activity to support libraries, especially in funding increasing technology costs. (JKP)

Discusses the Public Library Data Service survey results in regard to children's services. Data are presented on annual circulation, circulation per capita, program attendance, collection turnover rates, and the materials budget. (EA)

Budgeting and accounting control of serials are examined based on a survey of 100 academic and public libraries. The questionnaire used in the survey stressed classification and encumbering of serials but was open-ended to encourage commentary. The lack of consensus among respondents regarding the budgetary control of serials precluded the…

Describes guidelines issued by the Public Library Association which base evaluation of individual public libraries on community standards rather than national; identify eight basic roles of the library within the community; and provide a suggested process for libraries and communities to assess service needs and determine which activities to…

In a study to determine patterns of public library funding and to find alternative options for improving library support, the present level of funding has been found woefully inadequate. Total expenditures for public library service in 1971-72 were $184 million. In order to fulfill the public library's role as an information source for people at…

Reports the results of a quasi-experimental evaluation of the effects of the California English-only law on public librarians' acquisition policies and attitudes toward books in Spanish for children and young adults. The results, which showed no effects, are interpreted in terms of the symbolic functions of legislation and public policy. (seven…