Presented is a method for estimating the proportion of books in a library which are responsible for the determination of the circulation performance rate of the library studies. A university and public library were studied. Results showed that a much smaller proportion of the collection determines the circulation performance rate of the university…

Discusses cataloging problems in public libraries--Library of Congress records, international standards, and cataloging records--and their possible effects on establishing public library networks. A model public library bibliographic network is presented. (KP)

An overview of a public library's puppet program is given with an illustration, list of materials, and step by step procedures for the construction of a portable puppet theater. (JPF)

Special features include articles about the small public library: (1) the Public Library Association's Small and Medium-Sized Libraries Section; (2) a photo album of small public libraries in Mississippi; (3) small public libraries and public library standards; (4) the role of nonprofessionals; (5) training the nondegreed library worker; and (6)…

The first of two articles presents a draft of "Criteria for Accreditation of Public Libraries." The second discusses the accreditation process goals and applies these goals to the current Commission for the Accreditation of Public Libraries plan. The proposal is criticized for being underdeveloped, administation-oriented, and controlled outside…

Discusses topics related to public and school library volunteers: (1) recruitment and reasons for volunteering; (2) training; (3) job satisfaction; and (4) other motivating factors including recognition, achievement, and responsibility. (MES)

Describes the responsibilities and recommended qualifications of a youth services department head. The importance of attention to statistics and library policy is emphasized. (MES)

This description of a program in which public libraries serve as sites for mediation sessions discusses the advantages of mediation over judicial proceedings in resolving disputes in the neighborhood and workplace, the role of the library in this program, and the effects on the library's relationship with the community. (CLB)

Reports on a survey of 111 children's librarians in Illinois public libraries which gathered data on educational preparation, job histories, present positions, career choices, opportunities for advancement, and opinions on what others could do to help children's librarians. Ten tables are included, and six references are listed. (MES)

Presents histories and descriptions of two major public library collections of Afro-Americana and Africana: the Vivian G. Harsh Collection of Afro-American History and Literature (Chicago Public Library); and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (New York Public Library). Fifteen references are listed. (Author/MES)

Describes the five major principles of fiction classification laid out by early theorists and discusses studies that measure patron reactions to fiction classification schemes. Areas for further research are suggested, and 15 references are listed.(MES)

Describes the work of Educational Information Centers (EICs) in public libraries, using several case histories as illustrations. Ways in which EICs change libraries and their roles are discussed, and the support of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation for development of EICs is reviewed. Four references are listed. (MES)

Examines the first libraries established for children in the United States between 1876 and 1900 and discusses various definitions of "children" and "library" as used by early writers. Specific examples of different configurations for children's libraries are described, from book collections without buildings, to separate rooms with professional…

Describes the various purposes of special collections of children's literature including their value to historians, sociologists, psychologists, artists and authors, their reference purposes, and their value in preserving regional artistic and literary heritages. A bibliography of journal articles, pamphlets, and brochures listed by state is…

Examines the Adult Independent Learning Project of the 1970s from the perspective of librarian involvement as mediator of information and instrument of the learner. The concept of literacy in the public space is discussed, with libraries defined as agents of learning rather than servants of schooling. (EM)