A significant number of distance students report they "stray" from their home universities by using local libraries, despite the fact that distance education librarians work hard to provide customized resources and services tailored to their programs and needs. Are public libraries and special libraries able to meet the research needs of…

The job of the contemporary reference librarian has a virtual component unimaginable a generation ago. Today's library professional can obtain an MLS (or equivalent) online with a minimal residency requirement. Not only the degree, but also library sources, and indeed patrons, have become virtual. Both books and periodicals can be consulted by…

Each year the State Library sends annual report forms to California's public, academic, special, state agency, and county law libraries. Statistical data from those reports are tabulated in this publication, with directory listings published in the companion volume, "California Library Directory." For this fiscal year, 389 libraries of…

This report marks the third release of library statistics data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It contains data on state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year (FY) 2008. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies (StLA) Survey, the product of a cooperative…

Describes the development, operation, and services of a special unit at the Chicago Public Library that provides reference and research services to professional librarians. Specific reference materials, online databases, and current awareness services are covered. The selection and acquisition of library materials is discussed in some detail. (21…

This selection guide was compiled as an introduction to the subject of acquiring library materials for the mentally handicapped. It is intended for a wide variety of users: librarians who work in public, hospital, and school libraries; people who consult with publishers; and people who have responsibility for selecting materials for use with or by…

These guidelines are based on the experiences of a number of librarians working in the area of library services for hospital patients and disabled people in the community, as well as work done previously by a number of national library associations. The guidelines indicate the essential features of services to disabled people and suggest…

This report marks the second release of library statistics data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It contains data on state library agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state fiscal year (FY) 2007. The data were collected through the State Library Agencies (StLA) Survey, the product of a cooperative…

This paper is a selective review of recent publications, focused on the economic value of public and special libraries which are treated separately, since context and organisational objectives differ widely for different types of libraries. Those who wish to further explore this topic will find many studies into the social value of libraries which…

Issues 248 through 255 of "Fast Facts" from the Library Research Service present data gleaned from libraries in Colorado and across the nation. Topics addressed in these "Fast Facts" from 2007 include the library labor market, the benefits to libraries of using a statewide courier service, and the results of a patron survey at…

DATA PRESENTED IN THIS REPORT WERE BASED PRIMARILY ON QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES OBTAINED THROUGH A NATIONAL CENSUS OF SPECIAL LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTERS. THE SURVEY WAS MADE DURING THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 1961 TO FEBRUARY 1963. ALTHOUGH THERE WERE MORE THAN 10,000 ENTRIES IN THE PUBLISHED DIRECTORY, EXCLUSION OF CANADIAN LIBRARIES AND DELETION…

The directory includes the special collections and subject collections of 313 libraries in Indiana: 125 public libraries, 109 academic libraries, 44 special libraries, 11 libraries in Indiana State Departments and institutions, 20 libraries in historical societies, and 4 miscellaneous libraries. Subject headings, other than personal names, are…

The Governor's Task Force to Study Library Services in Maine were directed to accomplish three tasks: (1) survey the present resources and services of the state, public, college, school, and special libraries in Maine and evaluate these resources and services in terms of identified needs; (2) determine ways in which libraries, their services and…

This report presents the results of a study of the amount of photocopying of library materials by library staff in United States libraries. A national survey was conducted from a sample of public, academic, special, and federal libraries to determine the annual volume of photocopying undertaken for interlibrary loans, local users, and intrasystem…