Presents a 1992 study which discovered and investigated collection development bias in academic and public libraries in California. The investigation was carried out in five stages: (1) selected a controversial topic; (2) identified representative works; (3) ranked works by qualified judges; (4) measured holdings via library online computer…

Tells the story of a small town library faced with the problem of preventing nuisance burglaries of the type becoming more and more common. The problems of selecting the right type of alarm system are discussed. (JPF)

NINETY PERCENT OF THE TWENTY-SEVEN MILLION AMERICANS WHO DID NOT HAVE ACCESS TO LOCAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN 1956 WERE FROM RURAL AREAS, WHILE ANOTHER FIFTY-THREE MILLION HAD ACCESS ONLY TO INADEQUATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE. THE PROBLEM ARISES FROM THE APPARENT DIFFICULTY OF PROVIDING GOOD LIBRARY SERVICE WHERE TOWNS ARE SMALL AND RURAL PEOPLE ARE…

Intended to provide information which South Dakota Public Library Trustees may wish to use in the performance of their duties, this manual suggests useful practices and shares successful and desirable methods of representing the community through the library board, provides an up-to-date and reasonably comprehensive source of general information…

As part of a series on library services to disadvantaged adults, this pamphlet provides guidelines for the use of community advisory committees in libraries: the duties and capabilities of such committees, their influence on the library, and their relationships with library boards. The size and composition of the committee are considered, as are…

Using the London Room of the London Public Library in London, Ontario, Canada, as an example, this article will examine the nature of local collections, the sources and methods of acquiring genealogical and local history materials and the constraints related to such acquisitions. This article will also present a brief history of the London Room…

The development of the Internet and the online collections accessed by it has created major adjustments in all library functions, including collection management and budgeting. The authors share how two public libraries have come full circle in electronic collection management, beginning with early selection, followed by current weeding programs…

Discussion of public access microcomputer service areas in public libraries covers walk-in access, software/hardware circulation, online call-in services, and special programs. Principles for successful public access programs are also discussed, including hardware/software selection. Problems relating to equipment breakdown, diskette storage, and…

Describes a survey of public and academic libraries in Ohio that was conducted to examine the processes used to select and implement integrated library systems. Machine readable records are discussed, the computer environment in libraries is described, and satisfaction with the systems is examined. (eight references) (LRW)

Advocates providing automobile repair and service information in public libraries, and discusses collection development issues, reference services, and problems in making repair manuals available. Describes the collection and services for patrons in Tacoma Public Library and results of a survey of other public libraries holding automobile repair…

A statement of goals, guidelines, and standards for public libraries in the state was developed by the Standards Study Committee, Public Library Section, of the Louisiana Library Association. The goals include the educational, informational, recreational, cultural, and service roles of the library. The guidelines are a detailed description of…

A sample of 300 video patrons at the Grandview Heights Public Library (Ohio) was surveyed to determine what information they used from the videocassette container to make their selections. It was expected that knowing what patrons used could help in deciding how much information to enter in bibliographic records for videocassettes. The majority of…