Describes the development of a project to disseminate information about and provide hands-on experience with personal computers through classes and workshops for both adults and children at the Menlo Park Public Library. Funding and implementation are discussed, as well as how such projects can be started by other libraries. (BK)

Reports the development by the Public Library Association of a planning manual, "A Planning Process for Public Libraries." The manual outlines an efficient seven-step planning process that will enable planning committees to avoid time-consuming procedural investigations and concentrate on critical analysis and recommendations for change.…

Discusses the effects of technology and networking on rural public library service in the future, and describes how these effects will improve the quality and accessibility of service to rural citizens. (FM)

Initiates a new state emphasis for the column by highlighting recent public library programs and services for adults in Florida. Music, photography, and women's programs offered by the Leon County Public Library are described in more detail. (JD)

Describes the positive action using marketing strategies that libraries must take to capture their share of the post-Proposition 13 tax dollar. Strategies discussed relate to price, product, promotion, and place. (JD)

Outlines the problem of violence in U.S. and British public libraries, including groups incidents, drunks, unruly youths, and irate patrons. Library staff face managerial apathy and reluctance to tackle. Discusses the reasons for violence, suggests measures to reduce threats and deal with incidents, risk assessment, security measures and staff…

Discussion of a research project that examined partnerships between booksellers, publishers, library suppliers, and librarians to promote books and reading focuses on a review of the last 10 years to highlight the rise of reader development and the growing partnership among sectors of the book industry. (Author/LRW)

Focusing primarily on public libraries in the state of Washington, this article examines the public debate over unrestricted access to the Internet, the Communications Decency Act, censorship, the use of blocking software, privacy screens, and restrictions by age on Internet use. (PEN)

Discusses winners of the National Information Infrastructure Awards and examines some of the current problems with World Wide Web pages for public libraries. Gophers are discussed, and the heavy use of graphics that prohibits the use of a non-graphical Web browser is considered. (LRW)

Discusses the expanding role of public libraries in providing videos to the community and describes existing reference, selection, and current awareness tools to aid in video selection. Materials described include books, mass media magazines, professional journals, videos, review indexes, and directories. (CLB)

Describes a national survey in which 7 public library constituent groups rated the degree to which 61 indicators helped describe a library. Dimensions of effectiveness were then developed through factor analysis on the indicator choices. A full list of indicators, a list of collapsed indicators, and the results of the factor analysis are appended.…

Presents a profile of bookmobiles in rural areas, based on data from four national surveys conducted by the Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship between 1985 and 1987. Topics covered include equipment and related problems, collections, services, stop locations, and staff. The need for more research on the bookmobile's function is indicated.…

In-depth interviews with nine individuals identified by a survey of American Library Association members as leaders in the public library field indicated that six traits are important in making a library leader: vision; a commitment to public libraries; courage and risk taking; openness to others; political savvy; and professional involvement.…

Arguing that young adult programing can provide benefits for the young people who participate as well as for the library, this article offers suggestions for young adult programs together with practical guidance for planning, publicizing and implementing youth services. (three references, six recommended readings) (LAE)

These guidelines developed by the Genealogy Committee of the History Section of the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association are intended to assist public libraries providing beginning genealogical collections and services. They cover collection development, personnel, access, and fiscal considerations. (EA)