Reviews the recent American Library Association publication, "Planning and Role Setting for Public Libraries: A Manual of Options and Procedures," noting omissions in its approach. Several reasons for including the larger library community in the planning process are discussed. (MES)

Reviews a study by the RAND Corporation on the changing ethnic nature of California which focused on the impact for public library services of having the majority of the population composed of what once were racial and ethnic minorities. The report is criticized for the narrowness of the questions addressed, softness of data, and simplicity of…

Reprints four articles originally published between 1919 and 1967 in "Library Journal." Topics include changing ideals in librarianship, the changing nature of library work (Paul Dunkin), attracting adolescents to the library (Mary Hinant), and the social outlook of the librarian (Marilla Waite Freeman). A sidebar reviews the 1966…

Reviews magazines suitable for young adults. Highlights include considering appropriate demographics and/or local standards when selecting titles; top-selling magazines to middle school, high school, and public libraries; ordering information; adult magazines for consideration; tabloids; and "zines", or personal newsletters/small…

Reviews 30 reference sources in all subject areas, except the sciences, that were published in 1992. Appropriateness for public, academic, or other type of library is given in each review. CD-ROM products are included in this annual list for the first time, and the competition between print and CD-ROM reference works is described in a sidebar.…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 37 outstanding reference sources published in 1993 for small to medium-sized public and academic libraries as selected by the American Library Association's Reference Services Committee. Categories include culture and civilization, biography, general, language and literature, nature, law, religion, technology,…

Discusses the necessity for providing access to microcomputers in elementary education and recommends 48 software titles that would be appropriate for public or school libraries. Considerations for librarians establishing a microcomputer software collection are discussed, and suggestions for choosing preschool programs as well as programs in…

Discusses the need to provide information on sexuality and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) to children and young adults and provides in-depth reviews of appropriate resource materials. Abstinence and sexual responsibility are discussed; school curriculum resources are described; and resources for teachers are reviewed. (LRW)

Suggests authors, titles, and resources in the area of Christian fiction to assist librarians in the selection of adult, young adult, and children's materials. A list of Christian fiction book publishers and journal sources that review these works is appended. (21 references) (MES)

Describes the Library of Congress' American Memory Project, involving conversion of U.S. archival treasures to electronic format for distribution to other locations. Highlights include subject matter currently released, the beta-test procedure, promoting the new resource, and experiences of several library test sites. Sample screen displays are…

This issue (v5 n2) contains booktalks and information of interest to librarians. The Texas Bluebonnet Reading Program for students in grades 3-6 is described, 21 reviews of both fiction and nonfiction books are included for grades 3 through adult readers, and an index is included for "The Booktalker," v2. (LRW)

Describes the Association of Research Libraries Geographic Information System (GIS) Literacy Project and the experiences of several libraries involved in electronic mapping. An in-depth description of the University of Connecticut's map library is provided. Sidebars include information about GIS business applications and sources of products…

Discusses the treatment of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) in young adult problem novels and reviews eight novels that deal with AIDS. Emotional and educational issues are addressed, and a sidebar lists resources on AIDS for young people, including books, articles, videos, and pamphlets and posters. (LRW)

The public library has become the locus for public anxiety about children's access to objectionable material on the Internet. Discusses Judith Krug's (Director of the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom) defense of unrestricted access, acceptable use, and filtering software. Highlights six filtering programs (client and…

This supplement/newsletter contains booktalks, news, and other information of interest to librarians and adult readers. This issue includes reviews of fiction and nonfiction books for adults; an article, "How I Turned into a Booktalker--Overnight!" by Kaite Mediatore; and a new feature, "Talking with the Talkers," which focuses…