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…

In July 2008, over 14,000 public libraries throughout the U.S. received, free of charge, a set of fourteen Audio Guides introducing them to The Big Read. Since 2007, when the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, in partnership with Arts Midwest, debuted The Big Read, the program has awarded grants to…

This study investigated how school and public librarians can become better disseminators of health information and improve health information literacy in small and rural communities in a selected research area. We used the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas as our study area, composed of the economically depressed Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and…

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

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…

This study surveys the current involvement of public libraries in the provision of information and referral services to the communities they serve. Data were gathered via questionnaire from 125 public libraries nationwide to ascertain their level of involvement in advocacy, case management or tracking, direct client interviewing, escort services,…

Presents findings from an empirical study of community information exchange, computer access and use among lowincome, predominantly AfricanAmerican residents in one locale. Results indicate that, while computer use is minimal, many lowincome community members are poised to participate in the local development of networked information services.…

In a two-day workshop at the San Francisco Public Library, the staff of the Bay Area Reference Center (BARC) led discussions on how the library can serve as a community information and referral center. Various speakers reviewed the problems and possibilities of such a service and presented guidelines for the establishment, volunteer staffing, and…

Libraries must provide more than the usual reference services by taping community information sources such as social agencies, religious organizations, local clubs and societies, local businesses, and residents who have special knowledge. The library must also take an active, rather than passive, role in delivering information. (LS)

Assesses the state of the public library, briefly reviewing the history of the institution and discussing library purpose, services, and patrons at the present and in the future. Seven references are provided. (EJS)

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)

Information can play a vital role in assisting inner city residents to cope with major survival problems. The provision of supportive information increases the effectiveness of all types of advocacy. The limited success achieved by recent library outreach programs in the inner city is partially due to the absence of a commitment to advocacy by the…

Preparatory and follow-up activities as well as proceedings are described in this report of a conference that brought representatives of 103 tribes together to discuss and lay the groundwork for comprehensive improvement of library and information services for Indian communities served by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Chapters I, II, and III…