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…

This summary of the deliberations and proposals of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science includes brief discussions of programs goals, a needs analysis, and the concerns of both libraries and the private sector. Recommendations for a national program are presented as eight priority objectives, and various facets of the…

This study focuses on the question of whether the public library can or will be one of the non-formal providers of lifelong learning in Minnesota, and uses the Delphi method to discover in what way the public library as it is perceived by various publics could become an active participant in this dimension of the educational process. Five groups…

This collection of essays and responses by 18 specialists and librarians focuses on three research perspectives: (1) governmental, economic, and technological changes; (2) possible results of change in the humanities, education, and social institutions; and (3) the process of change and ways to create conditions for change. Each specialist's essay…

Intended as an immediate source of practical help for teachers of the research paper, this bibliography is also a contribution toward establishing a foundation of professionalism for research paper instruction. The approximately 200 entries are arranged alphabetically under the following categories: (1) the debate over whether and when to use the…

This report presents the findings of a study conducted between July and October 1979 to analyze the information needs of New England citizens, their information seeking patterns, and the effectiveness of libraries in meeting those needs. It examines everyday information needs, both occupational and non-occupational, of adult residents from 2,400…

Prompted by an awareness of the general public's lack of access to scientific literature in the medical field, this paper documents the practical and ethical desirability of eliminating obstacles to those seeking health information. Discussions based on a survey of the literature focus on (1) the concepts and definitions of information, knowledge,…

This paper discusses the library services that complement growing university and college off-campus programs and specifically centers on the years that fall between the start of such services and the final establishment of a physical satellite library. Suggestions, drawn partly from the literature and primarily from experiences at the University…

This issue of "Illinois Libraries" is a report of the Illinois White House Conference on Library and Information Services, held in Springfield, November 12-14, 1978. After a brief introduction, the planning process for the conference is described, including committee work, timetables established, the efforts of state agencies, delegate…

Literacy being a major concern at state level preconferences, a theme conference was held to develop recommendations as to how libraries, in cooperation with other concerned agencies, can work toward solving the continuing problems of illiteracy in the U.S. Approximately 200 participants representing the library and educational communities, the…

The socioeconomic makeup of the community served by the Mott Public Library, Toledo, Ohio is described in detail. An account of the library's services and programs, in connection with their "disadvantaged" patrons, as well as the author's personal difficulties in establishing a citizens' advisory committee and an unsuccessful branch…

A ten-week institute was developed to train library students in the western United States for work in state library agencies. Learning activities included lectures, guest speakers, discussions, role-playing, field trips, four weeks of field work, case studies, research, and report writing. The focus was on state library history, special aspects,…

Ways in which a library or resource center can aid students in developing desired attitudes in environmental concerns are briefly described in this paper. The first part of the document, centering on the role of the library in environmental education, offers suggestions and ideas for designing a pleasing environment. Emphasis is placed on creating…

Libraries and information centers are rapidly becoming an integral part of American Indian life. Individuals, organizations, and tribes are recognizing that libraries and the information services they offer are necessary to meet Indian goals. Eleven guides have been developed to provide initial direction and alternatives to those planning or…

The role of the state library agency in Nebraska is changing as regions and networks develop and assume the daily needs of individuals and small libraries. The supplementary needs of school and college libraries can be channeled and absorbed or referred. The development of regional libraries has progressed according to funds and schedule. Long…