Presents a profile of bookmobiles in rural areas, based on data from four national surveys conducted by the Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship between 1985 and 1987. Topics covered include equipment and related problems, collections, services, stop locations, and staff. The need for more research on the bookmobile's function is indicated.…

Survey of 56 public reference librarians from New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania reveals that they perceive reference service as comprising question answering (34 percent); locating information (30 percent); service (17 percent); providing materials (7 percent); aiding readers in library use (4 percent); telephone referral (2 percent); 100 percent…

Discussion of librarianship as practiced in rural areas of United States highlights advantages of rural environment which affect role of the library, i.e., interpersonal relationships, need for creative modes of information service, potential to provide insulation against personal anonymity, potential for impacting community, opportunity to…

Discussion of rural libraries and librarianship provides a definition of rural areas and notes work of the Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship (based at School of Library Science, Clarion State University), library personnel, professional continuing education for library staff, and renewed and continuing interest in rural library services.…

Presents results of a telephone survey of 30 librarians from rural Pennsylvanian public libraries conducted by the Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship at Clarion State College, Pennsylvania. Average population served, hours of service, book collection size, and questions asked are noted. Seven references are cited. (EJS)

This research report presents the results of a survey of public libraries that serve areas where populations are 25,000 or fewer individuals. The long range goal of the study was to gather data that would help to initially describe some of the circumstances in which and because of which rural information services exist and endure. Questionnaires…

The research that is reported was done to describe some of the conditions under which or because of which information service is provided in small, rural public libraries, and suggests some of the problems that are endemic to such service. (Author/FM)

The results of a survey of rural public libraries in Pennsylvania are reported in narrative form, supplemented with tables and graphs. The report is based on the responses of 1,053 library users of 124 rural libraries (out of a sample of 131). Concerned with the users' perceptions of the public library, the first section presents data on reasons…

Only 1 in 20 library directors serving communities of fewer than 2,500 people have an Master of Library Science degree or equivalent. This article examines problems facing small and rural public libraries and the necessity for a new form of librarianship brought about by the Internet. Proposes a professional action plan for library staff…

Describes the results of a survey of rural public libraries that examined the impressions of librarians involved in establishing the role of the library, the degree to which planning is accomplished, and current socioeconomic data relevant to rural libraries. The discussion focuses on the finding that librarians are not planning for future…

Five articles present an overview of trends and issues affecting rural libraries. The areas discussed include the status of rural library services; outreach programs; the role of library cooperation in the support of rural library service; the development of rural information centers; and political marketing of the rural library. (CLB)

Highlights some of the conditions affecting rural and small libraries and describes their roles in providing information services. Results of two research investigations report that for many Americans, the community library is perceived as a place for books and is used primarily by women. The complete survey instruments and results are appended.…

A 1991 national survey by the Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship at Clarion University of Pennsylvania measured user reaction to bookmobile services. Respondents reported that bookmobiles have an overwhelmingly positive impact on their lives, and the vast majority (71 percent) put the value of services received in excess of $20.00 per…

The purpose of this paper is to consider the nature of small and rural public libraries in the United States in the light of the existing opportunities that they provide for adult lifelong learning, and to ponder the future of collaborative services. The role of the public library is explored in relation to lifelong learning, and rural libraries…

Discusses the role of rural public libraries in the information age. Characteristics of rural communities that library planners should consider are conservatism, the lack of professionally trained librarians, library trustee involvement, the need for marketing, and gender balance. Suggestions for recreating rural libraries and providing…