A survey of 34 of the largest public library systems, each serving at least 500,000 people, showed: (1) minority offer online database services; (2) cost is major prohibiting factor; (3) New York Times Information Bank is most popular database; (4) fee structures vary; and (5) business organizations are most frequent users. (JD)

Librarians need to switch their identity from operating libraries to providing information services to constituencies of concern. Libraries need to be transformed through the discovery of new meaning, relevancy, and purpose. The process of the White House Conference is a pilot laboratory of a transformation process. (Author/SW)

Identifies selected titles and information sources pertinent to various ethnic and multicultural areas. (Author/FM)

Discusses the selection of materials for adults with low reading skills: adult basic education (ABE) materials within the public library setting, kinds of materials available, types of collections, acquiring ABE materials (including evaluation and problems), and using ABE materials to teach other skills. (JD)

Random samples of monographic materials from U.S. and Canadian public libraries were matched with collections from similar libraries of different sizes. Strong positive correlation appears between percentage find rate and target library size, with regression analysis suggesting linearity over a wide range of collection sizes. (Author)

An outline of objectives for library educators to consider in the design of courses for those serving the older adult is presented. (Author)

Describes Learning Is for Everyone (LIFE), a library program of the Altoona Area Public Library, Pennsylvania, that serves mentally retarded persons of all ages and ability levels, parents, teachers, and advocates of retarded citizens, as well as the general public. Through the use of multimedia materials, programing, and community programs, the…

If libraries are to survive the apparently inevitable lean years ahead, they must make themselves necessary by offering informational and educational services in demand. However, alternative and nontraditional services must be provided on a cost-recovery basis, and only those directly benefiting from the service should pay the additional fee.…

The work involved in planning and implementing a community information center in partnership with the community requires professionalism of the highest order and provides the opportunity for many more librarians to work as true professionals. (Author)

Describes the ways public libraries make use of the products of the information industry, and suggests areas for cooperation between the two communities. (PF)

Examines programs for babies, i.e., children under two years of age, that are offered by public libraries. Highlights include separate storytimes; inclusion in family or older children's storytimes; welcome packets for parents of newborns; and the benefits of bringing children and parents into the library. (LRW)

Presents 14 tables depicting Illinois public library referenda data from fiscal year 1977/78 through November 1995. Discusses success rates in terms of even versus odd years and spring versus fall for fiscal years 1986-95. Outlines types of library referenda, including: annexation; tax increase; bond issue; establishment (district); conversion to…

A survey on employee turnover was administered in five Ohio public libraries, eliciting information on common reasons for and against remaining at a given position. The study found that although there are many reasons for staying, as many as 45% of respondents say they have thought seriously about leaving their job in the last 12 months. Contains…

This article is a study of six women and their contributions to young adult services in public libraries: Mabel Williams, Margaret Scoggin, Jean Carolyn Roos, Margaret A. Edwards, Dorothy M. Broderick, and Mary K. Chelton. The feminist perspective employed focuses on the voices of these women as advocates for young people. Contains 63 references.…