In the fall and winter of 2020, New America embarked on a snapshot study to gather data on how--or if--people were discovering, accessing, and using their public libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on materials that libraries made available online. Our findings, which include data from a national survey of 2,620 people, highlight…

This study explored the relationship between expanded information and referral (I&R) services and traditional reference services in public libraries in North Carolina. Results show librarians feel I&R services should be limited to those closely related to traditional reference services. Other I&R services typically provided by social…

Reviews the efforts of Michigan public libraries to create local and statewide electronic information services. Highlights include Internet access; libraries' roles in the community; networking climate; three local and regional projects; and statewide initiatives, including those of the state library. (LRW)

Based on a study undertaken for a conference on the implications of California's increasing ethnic and racial diversity for the state's public libraries, this paper was prepared to serve as a background paper for the conference and provide a context for the conferees' deliberations. The first of eight sections describes an analytical study that…

This outline of a model for future expansion of information services to community agencies introduces the concept of "information consultation," which emphasizes the indirect services provided by one agency to another. The article is divided into three sections: (1) a review of mental health consultation, which offers existing,…

Examines the key differences between the information industry and public libraries and describes the computerized Community Information Project of San Mateo County, California. (PF)

The Institute on Environmental Information Programs for Public Libraries which was held at Western Michigan University on May 7-13, 1972, brought together practicing public librarians who had been successfully coping with the service demands made on their institutions by growing concern over environmental problems. As librarians who are dealing…

This study reviews trends in public library finance; examines recent political, economic, and technological changes; and assesses the impact of these changes on public library services. A history of the public library in America is presented, as well as an analysis of the principles of economics and public finance which reveals that current…

This essay addresses access to information through the use of computer networking systems. Highlights include national commercial networks, bulletin board systems, cautionary notes on networking, the role of the public library in providing a link between the computer and the public, and maximizing access and efficiency through library services.…

A case study of one metropolitan Library's experience with cable television communications is reported in this article. (Author)

Discusses academic and public libraries that expand the range and type of their services via fee-based information services and private information businesses that charge fees. Questions of billing the total cost to the patron versus part of the cost are considered; and the impact of such fees on library cooperation and networks is described. (six…

Public libraries emerged as educational institutions during the second half of the 19th century. Their aim was the intellectual and moral improvement of individuals and societies. After several decades it became evident that public libraries had failed as "people's universities." They came to acknowledge the provision of entertainment as…

The purpose of this study is to identify users of Pennsylvania public libraries and determine their reasons for using the library. In addition, the study provides information describing the impacts and benefits to those users as a result of their contact with the public library. The objectives were to: (1) describe users in terms of their…

This booklet describes recent developments in providing information services to people who are seeking employment, advancement, or career changes. The focus is primarily on the work of job information centers in New York State, where the idea was pioneered by the prototype established in the Yonkers Public Library. Sections discuss the history of…

Argues that in an age of information overload, the public library role is to promote books and reading and warns that public libraries that focus on technologies and information services will become cogs in the engine of material progress rather than fulfilling their role as sources of knowledge. (19 references) (EJS)