Why is it such a struggle to define and capture measures that convey to decision makers the value of libraries' services and programs to the communities, campuses, corporations, or organizations? To be honest, there are a number of reasons for this struggle--all of which can be addressed and, most importantly, solved. First, one has to face…

Women who promoted library services to children in the United States in the late nineteenth century introduced the systematic use of survey research on library practice to the field of professional librarianship. They created a series of qualitative survey-based reports, the "Reading of the Young" reports, which were presented at ALA conferences…

In this explorative study, we first investigate current use of public library statistics in public library management to identify a governing framework and then carefully suggest an alternative framework with income as a goal for sustainability. The meaning of income in terms of management is also discussed. Within this framework, we conduct a…

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…

This study of the benefits, methods, and costs of linking two or more bibliographic utilities for use by public and academic libraries assessed the impact of linking on three distinct areas of library operations: shared cataloging, interlibrary loan, and reference searching. The analysis was restricted to bibliographic records for monographs in…

A velcro board presentation of an input-output model, illustrating the public library as a community information system, can be used to define the library to citizen taxpayers. The major input to the system is tax dollars and its basic components are librarians, recorded information, facilities, and equipment. The output depends on the library's…

Discusses the provision of HIV-AIDS information by public libraries in rural communities through collaboration and networking with social services agencies as well as standard library-based methods of information delivery. Suggests useful materials and provides models and examples for successful program implementation. (JKP)

Examines how various public libraries in the Chicago area approach the issue of whether or not to allow coffee and food in the library. Discusses competition with "glossy new" bookstores; research, marketing, and experiments using bookstores as models; and the development of public lounges/coffee shops which are separate from the rest of…

Develops two models of reference interview behavior: the Needs-Oriented Model and the Question-Oriented Model. The models are tested by reanalysis of data from a 1978 dissertation on interviews in the public library setting. Results show the appropriateness of the models and indicate that the question-oriented interview was more prevalent. (eight…

Discusses reasons for library involvement in the development of videotex in Canada, and proposes the use of a hypothetical videotex system with library staff and patrons as a closed user group to provide data for evaluating the impact of videotex on library services. Notes and 10 references are provided. (CHC)

THE SPECIAL, INNOVATIVE SERVICES EXTENDED BY PUBLIC LIBRARIES TO POVERTY-STRICKEN NEIGHBORHOODS ARE ANALYZED IN THIS STUDY, BASED ON FIELD INVESTIGATIONS BY SURVEYORS FROM THE LIBRARY FIELD AS WELL AS AN EXAMINATION OF PROJECT PROPOSALS, REPORTS OF RESEARCH, AND LITERATURE ON THE SUBJECT. THE UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACHES BEHIND…

Describes the planning, organization, and implementation of a reference workshop offered as a continuing education option for reference librarians at the Queens Borough Public Library (New York, NY). Participant evaluations are analyzed, recommendations for future learning activities are presented, and assignments and the evaluation form are…

Defines the concept of marketing and relates models involving the exchanges and transactions of markets and charities to services offered by libraries. Market segmentation, understanding the behavior of markets, competition, and movement toward a market-oriented library are highlighted. Nineteen references are cited. (EJS)

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…

This 2-volume report measures and records the use of 16 public library children's services in Connecticut to provide management information and a model to improve the quality of services from collection development to the provision of reference and referral services. The first volume discusses the purposes of the project; examines documentation…