Describes a communications, materials booking, and interloan system in a Canadian public library system which allows equal participation of all sizes of libraries. The system has reduced the percentage of requests not found, improved turnaround time, is more cost effective, and has generated a higher respect for resource sharing. (EM)

Discusses resource sharing among libraries based on a study of data from the Illinois Library Computer Systems Organization (ILCSO). Highlights include differences in borrowing patterns based on the size of libraries, lending/borrowing ratios, and the volume of resource-sharing activity compared to other factors. (LRW)

Public libraries can be instrumental in creating a learning society and alleviating the problems pointed out in "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform," the report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. In fact, public libraries have always played an important role in the nation's education and will…

Reviews public library services in the People's Republic of China since 1949. Describes the Shanghai Library, the second largest library in China; the Shanghai system's three level network (municipal, district or county, and street or town) of public libraries which provides for resource sharing, librarian training, professional activities, and…

Details the design, financial support, organizational structure, and evolution of a program to facilitate the automation of small public libraries in Massachusetts and to promote resource sharing among those libraries. A sidebar by Governor Dukakis expresses his views on the role and importance of libraries. (MES)

Describes the results of Flossmoor Public Library's long-range planning initiatives for youth services, which has resulted in improvements in collection development and programing. Evaluation procedures and techniques were recognized as valuable learning tools to increase the effectiveness of services, enhance communication with the board and…

Discussion of the NREN (National Research and Education Network) and issues of access focuses on the role of the public library. Highlights include current uses of the Internet; resource sharing; guidelines for public library service; availability of the Internet and NREN through public libraries; and a sidebar that lists sources of further…

Texas State Library's 1996 to 1999 long range plan for library development provides for the establishment and expansion of programs needed to carry out the objectives of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) and the Library Systems Act (LSA). The first three chapters give an overview of the Statewide Library Development Program of the…

This report addresses the status of library development in Wisconsin, the needs and problems of libraries, and possible ways of meeting these needs over the next 5 years. These long-range plans developed by the staff of the Division for Library Services (DLS) reflect reports submitted to DLS, surveys, consultations with librarians and trustees,…

Examines public library interlibrary loan statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) as a measure of the effectiveness of efforts to equalize service throughout a state. Data from 1988-89 are compared with data from approximately 5 years earlier from 35 states. Data without earlier year comparisons are offered for other…

Five articles present an overview of trends and issues affecting rural libraries. The areas discussed include the status of rural library services; outreach programs; the role of library cooperation in the support of rural library service; the development of rural information centers; and political marketing of the rural library. (CLB)

Describes Infocus, a membership-based service of the State Library of New South Wales (NSW) that provides students with information for their study of the NSW Higher School Certificate curriculum. Developed in collaboration with school and public libraries, Infocus provides reproductions of resources held by the State Library of NSW. (LRW)

Examines public library and school library cooperation based on a history of public libraries. Highlights include the development of school libraries and standards; cooperation versus combination; shared library collections; relationships with college libraries; funding; and shared resources at the state level. (LRW)

Discusses a study of combined school/community libraries in eight small communities in South Dakota and Minnesota. Students get more time to use the library, enhanced collections and research opportunities, and improved technological access. The community gets longer operating hours, a better reference section, access to technology, and a…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit reports results of a survey of 82 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions conducted in early 1992 in order to gather information on interlibrary loan by examining a number of operation and management changes that are occurring and the steps that might be taken to ease the pressure…