Describes the Booktech 2000 project that was developed at the Denver Public Library as a new work concept to improve acquisitions procedures and customer service. The short-term goal of expanding collections for new branch libraries is discussed, and new relationships with vendors are explained. (LRW)

Describes programs and services offered by the 20-branch Columbus and Franklin County Public Library System, highlighting budgetary considerations, library administration, effect of technological advancements (i.e., circulation of videotape recorders, automated circulation system), innovative library programs, and contributions made by library…

This travel report includes descriptions of university libraries, public libraries, and national libraries in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Columbia. (PF)

Describes the Chicago Public Library model for regional libraries and discusses the planning and implementation of the regional concept by three public libraries. Topics discussed include advantages of the regional approach, criteria for location, levels of services offered, and guidelines for deciding whether the regional approach is appropriate…

Discusses the services of the San Francisco Public Library with respect to the effects of Proposition 13 and inflation, and describes the roles of the Main Library, the Business Branch, the Chinatown Branch, and the Communications Center. (CHC)

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)

Provides an overview of the various roles of state libraries and discusses several issues of concern to all state libraries: the role of the library within state government; resources sharing; school library development; public library development; automation consulting; continuing education for library professionals; and the leadership role of…

Describes the current status of the Los Angeles Public Library System comprising the central library, 62 branch libraries, and 5 bookmobiles. Financial problems, the destruction of the Hollywood regional library by fire, branch library changes, and the central library building are discussed. (EJS)

A brief history of the Dallas Public Library, which first opened in 1901, highlights new central library facilities erected in 1955 and 1982; the development of branch libraries; leadership of directors Rosa Leeper, Cleora Clanton, Jim Meeks, and Lillian Bradshaw; and library programs, publications, and community outreach efforts. (EJS)

Describes series of videocassette projects introduced in 1982 by the King County Library System (Seattle, Washington) leading to current collection of over 5,600 tapes. Population in library system's service area, exploration of marketplace, purchasing, library role, product packaging, circulation and overdue policies, demand for tapes, and…

This essay focuses on types of health information the public is seeking and sources for obtaining health data. Discussion of librarian's role in providing health information covers legal entanglements, reference interview, collections and services provided by academic health science libraries, hospital libraries, and public libraries, and future…

Addresses the question of librarians' response to women's needs, examining the basic differences between public and academic libraries and their service philosophies in terms of the community of women library users, collection development of material on women's issues, access to information, and library services for women. (EJS)

Introduces a series of articles reporting progress made in library services to the Spanish speaking in the past eight years, despite the undeniable discrimination that exists against the Hispanic-heritage librarian and the delivery of library and information services to this ethnic group. Each article is followed by an interview with a Hispanic…

The truest meaning of public service was that, although never used by all citizens, it was still available for any citizen. Whether public service in America can survive in the next decade, and maintain its basic altruistic concepts, will be the concern of all librarians. (Author/NH)

Provides descriptions of prominent libraries in Dublin, Ireland, including Trinity College Library, National Library of Ireland, Chester Beatty Library, Marsh's Library (first public library), Kings Inn Law School Library, Steevens Hospital Library, Royal Irish Academy Library, Royal Dublin Society Library, religious libraries (Franciscan,,…