Describes the work of Educational Information Centers (EICs) in public libraries, using several case histories as illustrations. Ways in which EICs change libraries and their roles are discussed, and the support of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation for development of EICs is reviewed. Four references are listed. (MES)

This study examined the influence of (1) the setting of the reference interview on the interaction and (2) accuracy and the librarian's behavior on the success of the reference interview. Tables display correlations between the interpersonal, interviewing and listening, and searching skills of the librarian with the patron's willingness to return…

Reports findings from a study that investigated how public libraries are using online community networks to facilitate the public's information-seeking and use in everyday situations. Highlights include barriers to using community information systems; the public's online information behavior, including social connectedness; the use of sense-making…

Explores the relationship between Public Library Association (PLA) planning and the themes of literacy, productivity, and democracy that were chosen by the White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS). Discussion is based on data collected by the Public Library Data Service (PLDS) that examine current library services in…

Discussion of implications of highly decentralized nature of local government for collection of local documents highlights meaning of access, effect of local government environment on access to local government information, library responses, and tools that can assist libraries in increasing citizen and government access to local government…

Presents an overview of the National Endowment for the Humanities sponsored Let's Talk about It Program. The intended audience is examined, the role of the scholar analyzed, and the special responsibilities of the discussion leader delineated. Results of the program are evaluated and suggestions for planning a program are offered. (six references)…

The Kellogg-funded Education Information Centers in public libraries provided free adult career counseling, usually including computerized career decision making. A result of the project is that more community agencies refer clients to the library for such assistance. (SK)

Examines what differences libraries and librarians make, primarily from the perspective of geographical communities. States reasons why this is an essential research issue and describes contributions of current public library planning tools to the determination of impact. Examines the framework that is essential for the intellectual development of…

Introduction: This article results from a qualitative study of 1) information behavior in community problem-solving framed as a distributed information use environment and 2) approaches used by a best-practice library to anticipate information needs associated with community problem solving. Method: Several approaches to data collection were…

The Internet has considerably empowered libraries and changed common perception of what they entail. Public libraries, in particular, are using technological advancements to expand their range of services and enhance their civic roles. Providing community information (CI) in innovative, digital forms via community networks is one way in which…

Describes Education Information Centers (EICs) in public libraries in New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Nebraska that have been funded by the Kellogg Foundation to serve adults who are in a job, education, or career transition. Career assessment software is reviewed, outreach strategies are described, and future plans are…

Describes a survey of public libraries that examined problems associated with access to local government information. Findings are reported on the nature of requests received, the types of responses given and sources used, and reasons given by librarians for providing access to local government information. (14 notes with references) (CLB)

Reports on a survey of the communications mechanisms used by 23 public library leaders and on their need to bridge a perceived communication gap between researchers and librarians. Five recommendations for closing the gap, based on respondent suggestions and Everett M. Roger's diffusion of innovation model, are proposed. (nine references) (KRN)

Reviews current trends in the networked community information literature, including public library involvement, and discusses a present study for which multiple methods are being used to collect data from users, librarians, and service providers in three states. Particular attention is given to explaining use of theory specification to apply…

Proposes a model, based upon a survey of citizen groups in Toledo, Ohio, for the selection of factors to consider before developing library services to increase access of citizen groups to public policy information. The results of the survey are analyzed. Five tables, nine figures, and a bibliography are included. (Author/JL)