Traces the development of reference service in American libraries during the second half of the nineteenth century and examines the evolution of reference service in the Providence Public Library. The article focuses on how the distinctive features of reference service were conceived and merged into the current concept of reference service. (43…

Examines the implications for library public services policy of standards-based and survey-based approaches. The significance of these theories in designing courses in public services for students of library science is considered. Appropriate measures of the success of services are also discussed. (18 references) (Author/MES)

Discusses several pitfalls that face corporate special librarians, including: defining the library role; management control; decentralization; budgeting; user expectations; purchasing control; organizational propaganda; reporting; clerical staffing; and end-user searching. (five references) (MES)

Describes the facilities, collections, and services of the following special libraries in New York City: Shea and Gould Library; American Foundation for the Blind; Brooklyn Museum; Merrill Lynch Capital Markets Library; Public Relations of American Information Center; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and Brooklyn Public Library Business…

Describes how Randolph-Macon College (VA) started an in-house book mending program. Steps are outlined for establishing a similar program, including identifying and tracking materials; designating a location; and choosing supplies. Information is provided for supplier contacts and instructional resources; and a brief bibliography is appended. (SLW)

This is the first in a projected series of articles by a library design consultant on the design of new facilities for the Calcasieu Parish (Louisiana) Library System. The overall plan for new buildings, additions, and remodeling is described; budgeting, scheduling, and background planning are discussed; and project goals are explained. (LRW)

Discusses the integration of electronic ordering and document delivery and its implications for academic libraries. Reasons why libraries are developing such services are considered, including economics, service, and the growth of electronic publishing; and components are described, including electronic finding and ordering, electronic delivery,…

The author reminisces about her tenure in children's services in the New York Public Library during the 1930s. She focuses on her memories of Anne Carroll Moore, the head of the children's department, and some of the other women she worked with, including Moore's successor, Frances Clarke Sayers. (MES)

Explores current patterns of recency, structure, intent, scaling, and planning and measurement in state library standards. Ways that four states--Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, and Ohio--have adapted basic standards elements are considered, and issues in linking planning and measurement to standards are discussed. (MES)

Stupp Teacher Resource Center at the Missouri Botanical Gardens serves as a resource to botanical gardens staff and to educators. A survey conducted in 1991 to determine whether the educational programs of the Stupp model were unique found that education programs in botanical gardens libraries are becoming more widespread and that their…

Contains reprints of three articles: (1) "Our Commission, Our Omissions" (Eric Moon), published in 1984, discusses the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (2) "Some Popular Objections to Public Libraries" (William Poole), published in 1876, addresses taxes and quality of books; and (3) "Readers and…

Eight articles address topics related to development and fund raising in libraries: philanthropy; public relations and fund raising; special events and fund raising; finding donors; annual funds in academic libraries; library capital campaigns; a public library endowment campaign; and planned giving. An introduction to the articles and a 244-item…

Demonstrates factors involved in moving a university library to a new location, based on experiences at the University of Kentucky. Some logistics of a move include the following: the collection has to be measured and its destination determined; a book that is relabeled should be handled only five times; book carts must avoid gridlock; getting it…

Describes the use of docents at the Denver Public Library and explains how to develop a successful volunteer docent program. Discusses their educational background; duties, including training patrons in computer use; cooperation of and acceptance by the professional staff; administrative support; and improved customer service. (LRW)

Considers how the implementation of self-checkout systems may affect library management in general and circulation departments in particular, focusing on the impact on circulation departments' workflow and the financial implications involved in implementing it. Suggests an opportunity for libraries to undergo a paradigm shift concerning the…