When assessing the possible impact of library technical processes on library space utilization in the future, it should be taken into account that the role of libraries as book and document depositories is being replaced by the emerging role of information delivery systems. Miniaturization and new technology may decrease space needs, but in most…

Membership in a library system, consortium, council, or network can affect a library's circulation in a number of ways that, in turn, impact on the library's space requirements. Reciprocal borrowing privileges may change the library use patterns of patrons, increasing traffic in an especially convenient, or well-supplied library. A reciprocal…

In 1976 research was undertaken to assess the progress of the Ohio multicounty cooperative library programs since the authorization by legislation in 1969 of the Area Library Service Organizations (ALSO). This report makes recommendations to assist library development staff and multicounty cooperative project directors to improve planning,…

This March 1973 survey assessed library use by non-affiliated users by type of library in the six county library council region. Among the items on the questionnaire distributed to over 100 public, academic, school, and special libraries were: (1) the purpose of the library visit and the subject matter of interest, (2) satisfaction with services…

Describes an evaluation of Iowa's statewide teletype reference service operated primarily by library school students. (PF)

The author reviews the aftermath of the passage of Proposition 13 in California and speculates on the survival of public libraries. (RK)

The increasingly important role of state library agencies in coordinating planning and evaluation of all types of library services statewide are discussed. Formal statements on state agency roles, and state and federal legislation on planning are also included. (Author/MBR)

Recommends that Medical School libraries be equipped to organize and provide biomedical information services in their respective states or areas, as a basis for the development of a national library-based biomedical information network to support Nigeria's programs of medical education, research, and health care delivery at all levels. (VT)

The Community Health Information Network, a cooperative library network established between a community hospital and six public libraries, is described. This model program provides health education and information services to patient/consumers and library services to health personnel through their public libraries. Funding, factors leading to the…

Discusses the history, operation, funding, and future of ILLINET Online, an automated library system in Illinois which has two components: the Library Computer System, a statewide resource sharing network; and the Full Bibliographic Record system, a shared online catalog for participating libraries. (MES)

Description of the history of a statewide interlibrary loan and electronic mail telecommunications network highlights difficulties and reinforces the idea that off-the-shelf systems are preferable to in-house system development. Recommendations include: solicit expert technical advice (including review by an independent programmer); choose…

Identifies five institutional forms of library consortia, one of which is local consortia or proximal networks, and discusses issues that apply to local library consortia. Highlights include redefinition of the library role, appropriate technology, bibliographic control, direct access, governance, and financing. (10 references) (CLB)

Reviews the literature on library network governance with particular attention to the role of lay trustees, and describes the composition of 12 multistate library network boards. A model for the selection of lay trustees that is based on needed outside expertise is presented. (23 references) (CLB)

In comparing methods of allocating service transaction costs among member libraries of interlibrary systems, questions of how costs are to be estimated, and what cost elements are to be included are critical. Different approaches of estimation yield varying results. Actual distribution of units accounts for greatest variance in allocations. (CDD)

Presents an example of a pricing policy for any interlibrary courier service which (1) calculates fixed, travelling, and stopping costs; (2) charges by how often the courier stops at each participating library; and (3) uses any subsidies for costs libraries cannot control. (CDD)