In many of the New York City neighborhoods hit hardest by the pandemic, libraries are among the only trusted resources for immigrants, teens, older adults, and those on the wrong side of the digital divide. For example, in 64 percent of the city's neighborhoods, branch libraries are the sole public hub for career services and support for…

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)

The developing role of the library as a center for cultural activity was the principal subject of discussion at the sixth Anglo-Scandinavian Library Conference. Aspects of this growing function which were treated in participants' papers included: the spectrum of activities which is encompassed by the word "cultural"; the library's role…

Results of a selective dissemination of information demonstration in a public library. Reading interest checklists were matched against recent acquisitions by computer to print out lists for participants. User response and time and cost data indicate the service is feasible. Sample checklists, output, and questionnaires are included. (Editor/JS)

Report on success of a fully automated circulation system, part of a total system concept which considers all aspects of library operation, in a branch of the Boulder (Colorado) Public Library. (JS)

The potential role of public libraries and the California State Library in a state-wide technical information system for business and industry is the topic of this report. Three levels of services are proposed for the system: (1) research centers (major academic libraries), (2) subject reference centers (major public libraries), and (3) local…

Discussion of problems library wholesalers/distributors face trying to fulfill public libraries' needs while adjusting to a changing industry is based on responses by librarians to a survey on library jobbers. Increased services to libraries, electronic ordering, timeliness, stock management, and quality control are addressed; and a chart of…

This study of resource sharing among public libraries was made possible by six library systems in northern Illinois. With the organization of the library systems and development of interlibrary loan services and other cooperative activities, the problem of extending resource sharing among member libraries and between library systems arose. Several…

THIS SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED TO DETERMINE--(1) THE OPTIMUM NUMBER OF PROCESSING CENTERS FOR THE NEW YORK STATE LIBRARY SYSTEMS AND (2) THE BEST METHOD FOR DEVELOPING CATALOGS FOR THE LIBRARIES. MAJOR FINDINGS WERE--THAT CATALOGING DIFFERENCES AMONG THE SYSTEMS WERE NOT GREAT, THERE WAS A CURVILINEAR RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NUMBER OF ITEMS PROCESSED…

A study was conducted to examine the basic concepts of the Orlando Processing Center and its state-wide goals, followed by recommendations for a future course of action. The report is divided into three parts--a survey of public libraries in the area, a study of the Orlando Processing Center, and an examination of processing needs in Florida, with…

This document presents preliminary specifications for a library-based Center for Information Services (CIS). Four sets of issues are covered: (1) data base inventory, providing a listing of magnetic tape data bases now available from national sources or soon to be so; (2) administrative issues, including the organization of the CIS within the…

Based on a year of inquiry and consultation, this report of the Suburban Maryland Project confirms the feasibility of cooperative technical service functions for the four public library systems of suburban Maryland. It is recommended that the proposed Library Service Center be assigned the ordering, acquisition, cataloging, preparation for book…

Describes a county library system's experience with a computerized information and referral system and highlights strengths and weaknesses of the systems. Strengths included the library maintaining control, with other agencies participating; using existing programs and databases where possible; and establishing copyright. Problems included not…

THIS STUDY, COVERING BOTH TECHNICAL AND PUBLIC SERVICES, IS BASED ON TWO YEARS' OPERATION OF THE CENTRAL LIBRARY AND BRANCHES OF THE BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY--THE LAST YEAR THE CARD CATALOG WAS USED AND THE FIRST YEAR OF USING THE COMPUTER-PRODUCED BOOK CATALOG. THE FIGURES, CONTAINING SOME EXTRAPOLATIONS, WERE OBTAINED FROM THE LIBRARY'S…

This progress report on a pilot project involving the reclassification of 1,000 titles in the Providence Public Library using data processing techniques covers the period July 1, 1967, to September 30, 1967. The major activities and accomplishments, problems, significant findings and events, dissemination activities, staff time, and future…