Describes a survey of public libraries that examined the phenomenon of latchkey children. Findings discussed include the estimated number of latchkey children in public libraries, effects on the library, library policies, and services provided and recommended for latchkey children. Specific recommendations to help public libraries clarify their…

At the request of the Chief Officers of the State Library Agencies, the Gallup Organization, Inc. studied attitudes and behavior concerning the use of public libraries in America and reported their findings. In the first phase of this national survey, 1,561 adult men and women were asked their sources of information; the extent to which the…

Central Massachusetts Library Administration Simulation Project (CLASP) was a research project funded under Title II-B to develop and test a simulation model that would enable public library personnel to learn and practice skills of negotiation, decision making, budgeting, and program planning. A simulation model was developed and tested in a…

Reports on an assessment that examined the role of school and public libraries in educational reform. Results for school libraries are reported related to student use, staffing, collections, equipment/technology, Internet access/use, needs, and involvement in educational reform efforts. Cooperation between schools and public libraries is also…

Discusses results of a national telephone survey that was conducted to assess public opinion about the importance of various roles of public libraries. Topics addressed include financial support and community spending for public libraries; differences of opinions between ethnic groups and by demographic groups; and possible uses of the data.…

While much progress has been made since the creation of the Utah State Library Commission more than two decades ago, much more remains to be done to improve library and information services in the state. There is a critical need in school media centers for professionally trained library personnel where non-professionals may now be substituting,…

This study of public library employees' perceptions of library goals based on one case study reveals that staff hold generally conservative views of public library purpose and prefer goals that are print-based and directly related to reading. Most significant influences on perceptions are local practice and practical considerations. (24…

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the economic impacts and benefits of Florida public libraries. The study objectives were to: describe the role of public libraries in economic development; identify and describe the range of specific activities and programs engaged in to support economic development; identify factors that…

Describes findings from a national research study about public library service to homeless children. Describes six exemplary library programs targeting homeless children and discusses characteristics and needs of young homeless children and their parents. Eight tables present statistics; the survey instrument is appended. (AEF)

Discussion of public library roles examines roles from the Public Library Association's planning and measurement tools for their usefulness in evaluating public library effectiveness, based on data from the Public Library Effectiveness Study. Indicators of library effectiveness are discussed, and a cluster analysis of libraries with similar role…

The State Library of Florida sponsored a conference in 1974 to provide an interchange of ideas between public libraries and specialists in adult basic education (ABE). Nine papers were given covering existing ABE programs, the role of libraries in ABE, how to find and evaluate materials, and methods of interagency cooperation. Nine appendixes…

This study examined the relationship between community needs for information about wife assault and the information response offered through social service networks. Interviews were conducted with a random selection of 543 women and with 179 agencies and professionals identified by the women as likely sources of help. (17 references) (MES)

Part two of the final report on the adult independent learning program focuses on the following: (1) discussion of the 11 data collection categories developed to meet the information needs of specific groups--advisors working with adult learners, planners monitoring service performance, library policy decision makers responsible for determining…

This study sought to identify the roles and functions of the central children's library as performed in 27 urban library systems in the United States and two in Canada, and to determine how they have been affected by (1) changes in the central city, (2) changes in administrative patterns, and (3) priorities set in response to the financial…

This survey of 288 academic, public, and special librarians in Canada examined attitudes toward the role of bibliographic instruction in reference service. Results indicated that academic librarians stress instruction, special librarians stress information delivery, and public librarians fall between the two positions. It was found that…