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…

Examines some of the issues that public libraries have had to deal with in delineating and pursuing as a specific organizational goal the provision of access to information. The perspective adopted is historical but not strictly chronological. Thirty-six references are listed. (Author/LLS)

The advent of deinstitutionalization and consumer health advocacy has spelled changes in mental health information seeking by general public, by families of mentally ill, and by the mentally ill themselves. Their information needs have implications for academic and public libraries and libraries in psychiatric facilities and general hospitals. (14…

Suggests ways in which school, public, and special libraries can cope with television related demands, from circulating books promoted or dramatized on television to videotaping local events, as well as cooperating with local stations to provide information services to listeners. The current situation of public and cable television is also…

Describes existing library services for disabled individuals at libraries in the Chicago area, and discusses issues that need to be addressed in planning for such services; e.g., financial support, accessibility, adjusting services to patron needs, mainstreaming, and outreach programs. (19 notes with references) (CLB)