Describes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and discusses its implications for both public and private libraries. The term "disability" is defined; sources of federal regulations that pertain to libraries are cited; the need for sign language interpreters is discussed; Braille materials are considered; and staff requirements are…

Describes a program developed at the San Francisco Public Library to allow homeless residents to apply for library cards, and discusses concerns that had to be addressed, including loss or damage of materials, overdue materials, residency requirements, and state and local funding requirements. Cooperation with public and private service providers…

Describes how the University of New Mexico library collaborates with an Albuquerque bookstore, which supplies the library with New Mexico literature. The difficulties of collecting New Mexicana, the development of a relationship with a local bookstore, and some guidelines for establishing similar relationships are discussed. (KRN)

Describes how to select materials needed by the growing legal self-help movement, the importance of currency, and publishers in the field. An annotated bibliography of 25 titles includes general guides and books focusing on estate planning, going to court, contracts, animals, immigration, domestic issues, real estate, and bankruptcy. (KRN)

Approval plans challenge library boundaries, require consensus on collection development priorities, cooperation among library departments, and a close partnership with the vendor. Few concrete performance standards exist, and effectiveness is difficult to measure. Vendors will play an active role in the evolution of approval plans, though…

Discussion of stress in library reference departments focuses on stress caused by CD-ROM reference tools. Topics discussed include work overload; nonreference duties; patron attitudes and behavior; staff attitudes; the need for proper staff training; and the need for library administrators to be sensitive to reference staff needs. (LRW)

Discusses the role librarians can take in the international transfer of information. Topics discussed include the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), preservation of materials, international networks and information services, international telecommunications, international librarian exchanges, and…

These two articles address the rising costs of monographs and serials in libraries and suggest strategies for coping with inflationary trends. Highlights include factors in price increases; gathering accurate data on the local budget; domestic and foreign price fluctuations; the increase in new journal titles; and publisher growth policies and…

Seven articles address issues and concerns of parish libraries in Catholic churches. Topics discussed include the role of the pastor; budgets; video hardware and software for family faith development; strategies to be used in developing a library; promotional ideas; and resources for parish libraries, including videotapes and books. (LRW)

Allocating adequate materials funds from the university operation budget is essential if libraries in China's key universities are to successfully support their learning and research communities. This article examines funding problems, and suggests proposals for change: establish a deducting-percentage system; enhance integrated resources…

Describes the experiences at the Williamsburg (Virginia) Regional Library when the children's department closed for two months for renovations and temporary quarters were created in a bookmobile in a nearby parking lot. Discusses technology challenges involved in hooking up computers, selecting an appropriate collection that would fit, and…

Outlines concepts essential for library material preservation. Describes the following components of a formal preservation program: (1) environmental control; (2) repair; (3) binding; (4) deacidification; (5) reformatting; (6) disaster preparedness; (7) education; and (8) administration. Suggests that libraries can improve their preservation…

There is an electronic revolution in the library which may prove to be a revolution in the humanities and in the nature of learning and education. The humanities are an essentially human enterprise of which the record reposes in books in libraries. The central role of libraries in preserving these ideas must survive the electronic revolution.…

Describes a technique for linking searches from the PsycLIT CD-ROM database with local journal holdings in a library. Explains the step-by-step methodology of the technique and covers major advantages and drawbacks of the new technique. (Author/AEF)

Offers suggestions for library programs with a baseball theme, including tying into hobbies such as collecting baseball cards; a young peoples book discussion; trivia contests using different reference sources; letter writing to favorite players; bibliographies and displays; hosting former players; women in baseball; and the Negro Leagues. (LRW)