Reference services in public libraries are changing dramatically. The Internet, online databases, and shrinking budgets are all making it necessary for non-traditional reference staff to become familiar with online reference tools. Recognizing the need for cross-training, Chesapeake Public Library (CPL) developed a program called the Database…

The Texas Information Exchange (TIE) is a state-wide library network organized in 1967 for the purpose of sharing resources among Texas libraries. Its membership includes 37 college and university libraries, the Texas State Library, and ten public libraries that serve as Major Resource Centers in the Texas State Library Communications Network. In…

This comparison of online searching cost figures from several of North Suburban Library System's public libraries notes search costs for 1984, average costs for public library computer searches, cost discrepancies, barriers to integration of online searching as a reference tool, searching data, and philosophical decisions. (EJS)

Profile of a regional and subject oriented library networking experience in New Jersey focuses on the function of the Art Department of the Newark Public Library. Resource and reference services, categories of reference questions, interlibrary loans, photocopy service, and additional services are highlighted. Six sources are given. (EJS)

Discusses the implementation of free online search services at the Mount Vernon Public Library for all registered borrowers of the county library system. Policy decisions and planning, operating procedures, publicity, and usage evaluation are noted. Retrieval procedures, search request forms, and sample searches are appended. (EJS)

This report discusses the following aspects of New York Public Library systems: services, resources, organization and government, accessibility, users and uses, role of the state, management, finance, special problems of New York City libraries, and trends. Information was collected mainly during late 1964 and 1965 and was gathered from local…

This commentary is taken from speeches and discussions at (1) Meeting on New York State Library Development, Albany, March 3, 1967, (2) Annual System Conference, Lake Minnewaska, March 30-April 1, 1967, and (3) Meeting of School Librarians and Administrators, New York City, May 15, 1967. Discussions cover the methodology and findings of the…

The Metropolitan Cooperative Library System in California is a group of 17 autonomous community libraries which have joined together to provide better services to their patrons. This survey of the reference resources and services of the system was conducted by personal interviews at each of the member libraries. The focus is upon reader oriented…

Examines online searching done for public libraries during October 1984 at The System Reference Service of the multitype North Suburban Library System. Highlights include total requests searched online, total public library requests searched online (by subject category), samples of successful and unsuccessful public library searches, databases…

Online database searching experiences of nine Illinois public libraries--Arlington Heights, Deerfield, Elk Grove Village, Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, Schaumburg Township, Waukegan, Wilmette--are discussed, noting search costs, user charges, popular databases, library acquisition, interaction with users, and staff training. Three sources are…

Examines some of the issues that public libraries have had to deal with in delineating and pursuing as a specific organizational goal the provision of access to information. The perspective adopted is historical but not strictly chronological. Thirty-six references are listed. (Author/LLS)

A demonstration project was undertaken to determine whether 1978 telefacsimile technology--specifically the Qwip 1200, the Rapidfax 100, and the Colorado Video Inc. Slow Scan Television--could address rural public library needs in an effective manner. Five public libraries in developing communities in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, South Dakota, and…

This report covers the period from January 1 to December 31, 1976, which was the third year of operation for NORWELD. Thirty-five public libraries and one state library agency from 12 northwestern Ohio counties participated in various degrees in the activities of this multicounty library cooperative formed in 1974. NORWELD's objectives and…

Recommendations formulated by the New Jersey Library Association for its public library system are intended to help identify problems, provide a framework for further discussion and contribute to the continuing study of the New Jersey Library Network. Since the enactment of the State Library Aid Act of 1967, a network of 25 area reference…

The purpose of the present study is to assist with the planning for improved reference service in the libraries of San Diego and Imperial counties, California, and to make recommendations regarding the location of area libraries and the relationships of the libraries within the system. The following recommendations are made for the system: (1)…