Describes geographic information systems and the assembly of data for analysis for the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library (Indiana). Presents examples of possible analyses: distribution of library patrons; distances patrons travel to use libraries; branch library services and characteristics of populations served; numbers of patrons served…

Discusses the Hawaii State Public Library system decision to outsource library book selection to a vendor. Highlights include problems with the current contract, including lack of input from local librarians; and possible benefits of outsourcing, including the chance of having an outsourced baseline collection with discretionary funds for local…

Discussion of subject access to archival materials focuses on the use of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). The process of subject analysis is described, an example of the depth of cataloging for archival materials is given, and the basic principles of syndetic structure of LCSH are explained. (five references) (LRW)

The first article describes characteristics of ephemera, discusses its importance as resource material in library collections, and presents suggestions for providing access to such materials. The second describes the acquisition and treatment of 15 collections of Australian ephemera at the National Library, and the third describes the…

The most significant reference sources of 1993, including 30 books and 7 CD-ROMs, are presented in this annotated bibliography. A sidebar entitled "The Reference Medium of Choice: Print or Electronic" (Pat Ensor) is also included. (SLW)

Discussion of media in public libraries focuses on independent films and alternative video. Topics addressed include commercial films; film adaptations of novels; instructional films; material selection; cataloging; video technology; and a project in Indiana that tried to encourage public librarians to collect alternative videos. (LRW)

Examines the academic reputation of reference materials and their role in education. Suggests that reference writing differs from academic writing in the target audience and recency of information. Indicates that reference writing has low status among academic circles despite the great value it carries for society as a whole. (MAB)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 136 works of fiction, published in English, which feature deaf characters. Included are novels for adult readers, short stories, fiction for young adults and older children, and books for young children. Each item's status in print is indicated. (three references) (LRW)

Provides a history of the Captioned Films/Videos for the Deaf program and describes the kinds of films and videos available, including feature films and educational materials. Silent films are discussed; captioning processes are described; implications for librarians are discussed; and regional depository libraries for captioned films for the deaf…

Describes types of hearing impairments and discusses library equipment, materials, and programs for the hearing impaired. American Library Association guidelines for four areas of service to the hearing impaired are summarized: communications; resources; publicity and programs; and participation and staffing. Addresses for related organizations…

Describes the Library Scavenger Hunt program at Baylor University (part of the reading and study skills program) which emphasizes learning what sources are available in a college library, where they are located, and how to use them. (SR)

Discusses the selection and evaluation of children's multicultural literature and gives examples of three types of books: (1) inclusive books that show racial and cultural diversity; (2) multicultural content books that are not written by authors from the racial/ethnic group featured; and (3) multicultural content books by authors who are from the…

Describes a study that was conducted at the Ohio State University library to examine interlibrary loan transactions and to determine (1) the ratio of unfilled to filled loan and copy requests, and (2) why the unfilled requests could not be satisfied. Interlibrary loan success rates using the OCLC Interlibrary Loan Subsystem are discussed. (eight…

Presents guidelines adopted by the American Library Association (ALA) relating to the preservation, conservation, and restoration of local history and local genealogical materials. Topics addressed include assessing preservation needs; developing a plan; choosing appropriate techniques, including microduplication, photoduplication, electronic…

Reports on an exploratory comparative study of the impact of whole language on four elementary school libraries. Finds that librarians were excited about the impact of whole language, and that they wanted to talk to someone about it. Concludes that whole language empowers librarians. (RS)