The experimental branch library described in this report was located in the multicultural, economically depressed downtown area of Richmond, California. The library's three and a half years of operation are described including: (1) the criteria for the selection of material, (2) programs aimed at attracting teen-agers and younger children to the…

The five papers in this collection were presented to a group of Directors and Coordinators of Children's Work representing large, medium, and county public libraries, as well as representatives from state libraries and library schools, who attended the President's Preconference. Topics presented include (1) a review of the development of…

Reports on the third "Library Journal" survey of public and academic audiovisual specialists and media librarians, which focused on the long-term outlook for audiocassette and videocassette collections. The survey covered present and planned budgets, circulation growth, selection criteria, theft, damage, competition from local stores,…

A study of the effects on public library circulation of putting a group of selected adult titles in a prime physical location is reported. It is hypothesized that public library circulation of these titles will be significantly greater when they are collected and placed in a prime location than when they are scattered on the shelves of even an…

Carefully orchestrated public relations and publicity campaign at Free Library of Philadelphia motivated an estimated 35,000 patrons to return almost 160,000 overdues during "no fines" week. Coverage by radio stations, newspapers, and television aided recovery of materials including rare 1910 score of a Rachmaninoff symphony which was 31…

Discusses policy, law, and administrative issues that must be resolved by a national commission to study public lending right, which was proposed in a 1985 bill. Examples from the United Kingdom and other countries are used. (EM)

Indiana's Michigan City Public Library was the first in the nation to serve all regardless of residence and the first to establish a branch library in a large, enclosed, heated shopping mall. The results of these new services are discussed. (Author/NH)

Outlines circulation procedures for video games at four public libraries--Arlington Heights Public Library, Illinois; East Brunswick Public Library, New Jersey; South River Public Library, New Jersey; and Cloquet Public Library, Minnesota. Acquisition of materials, insurance fees, loan periods, and use of reserves are noted. (EJS)

Reports circulation and expenditure statistics for public libraries for 1980-90, based on a representative sample of 53 U.S. public libraries serving a population of over 25,000. Data include figures for adult circulation, juvenile circulation, salary expenditures, material expenditures, and circulation and expenditures per capita. (LRW)

The current position of the American Library Association (ALA) on intellectual freedom was not a development and refinement of its earlier positions, but a reversal of an older posture. (Author)

Reports on third annual mini-survey on religious books in 30 public libraries across nation covering seven areas: regularity of purchase of religious materials; percentage of book budget used; percentage of circulation; collection policies; gifts; patron demand; attempt to "balance" book collection on certain issues; pressure from…

Presents results of survey of 52 public libraries designed to determine which circulation and overdues activities affected overdue rate. Tables summarize findings on mean overdues rate, and effects of charging fines, restricting borrowing privileges, loan period, renewing books, notices sent, telephoning, court cases, population serviced, and…

Presents statistics from the 1995 Index of American Public Library Circulation, including the index of library expenditures (salary expenditures, material expenditures, and others), adult and juvenile circulation figures, circulation per capita, expenditures per capita, expenditures per circulation, and material expenditures per capita. (LRW)

Circulation for CD-ROMs rose from 56 per month in 1993 to 493 per month in 1996 at the City of York Public Library in Toronto, Canada. Discusses the need for technical expertise; quantity and quality of CD-ROMs; assessing the costs; product durability, damage, and losses; and legal issues under the North American Free Trade Agreement. Lists the…

Discusses cooperation between public libraries and schools and describes programs developed by the Chandler (AZ) Public Library Youth Services department for teachers, including longer check-out periods for library materials and a telephone service to hold materials for pick-up. (LRW)