Respondents to "Library Journal's" ("LJ") annual book buying survey of public libraries nationwide reported that adult book budgets were down eight percent overall, the largest plunge recorded since the survey began in 1998. What's more, for the first time ever, cuts were reported for every region of the country and every size of population…

The manual is prepared for use in courses taught at the annual workshops sponsored by the Michigan Department of Education, Bureau of Library Services, for those public library personnel who need state certification. It includes the following sections: (1) The Public Library, (2) Selecting Materials for a Library, (3) Organization of Library…

Examines issues related to selection and censorship in five public libraries in Southern California in order to document public librarians' selection practices and to determine whether library policy and procedure assist librarians when confronted with challenges from the community. Explores issues of self-censorship in selection and community…

This collection provides summaries of documents on which the policies of the Oklahoma County Libraries System are based, the "Statement of Purpose and Goals," and "Policy for Selection of Materials," as well as brief descriptions of procedures for materials selection and handling complaints or suggestions from patrons.…

Discusses the mission of public libraries in light of the decision to purchase Madonna's book "Sex." Three viewpoints are presented: a critic of selection policies that are too broad in the name of intellectual freedom; the director of a small public library with a limited budget; and a library historian. (Contains 18 references.) (LRW)

Discusses issues involved in public access to library materials and facilities and patron confidentiality. Topics discussed include children's access to adult materials; parents' right to know about their children's materials; First and Fourth Amendment protections; the Library Bill of Rights; and American Library Association (ALA) documents that…

A survey of Illinois public libraries found that: security was a problem (58%); material theft was a problem (56%); periodical mutilation was a problem (42%); and a patron or staff member was expelled or arrested in the previous year (26%). Discusses perceptions of security, security incidents, electronic security systems, and security policies.…

Narrative text and 6 tables provide information about a survey of 105 libraries on materials spending: number of questionnaires sent and returned; number and percentage of libraries with a materials spending policy; how percentages were determined; average (mean) percentage spent for materials; change in percent spent for materials in recent…

Describes a 1988 survey of Canadian public libraries that was conducted to investigate intellectual freedom and censorship pressures and practices. Relevant institutional policies are examined, age restrictions are discussed, collection challenges are described, the libraries' responses to such pressures are studied, and further research is…

Discussion of library CD-ROM collections highlights the circulating CD-ROM collection at the Jane-Dundas branch of the City of York Public Library (Ontario). Topics addressed include titles in the collection; circulation policies, including copyright protection; CD-ROM selection; cataloging; and lending predictions for future CD-ROM libraries.…

This manual discusses the issue of intellectual freedom as it pertains to library policy and practice and offers guidelines for ensuring the right to read. It is intended for the public librarian or school library media specialist who needs to develop new policies or update existing policies. The book is divided into 10 chapters. Chapter 1 looks…

One public library's policy for the selection of adult and children's library materials is described. The library's collection interests are outlined and guidelines are given covering selection personnel, selection criteria, and selection sources for print and non-print materials. Problems involved in collection maintenance and the evaluation of…

Describes a survey of public libraries that addressed the presence of latchkey children in libraries, library policies regarding this population, and services that are or should be offered. In-depth interviews with 10 librarians explored ideal responses to latchkey children, advice on library services, and community services for children. (14…

Discusses Indiana-Marion County Public Library's decision to implement centralized collection selection and to hire a collection development librarian. Benefits of centralized selection include the decentralization of subject materials and the consequent broadening of subject materials at branch libraries. Selection depends upon a knowledge of the…

A survey was conducted in January 1997 to determine security issues of Ohio public libraries. The survey was distributed to 100 libraries of differing sizes with a 70% completion rate. The following questions were asked: (1) Do you believe that security is a problem at your library? (2) Do you believe that mutilation of periodicals is a problem at…