A pilot project used the public library as an Extension information outlet and educational program site. Results determined that, by working with local libraries, county extension centers can disseminate useful information to rural clientele in facilities where they are more likely to look for it. (JOW)

Discussion of mentorship, leadership, and characteristics of mentors and proteges highlights a survey of 28 public library directors that was conducted to determine the role that mentorship played in their career development. Results support the view that mentors play an important role in the career opportunities of proteges. (51 references) (LRW)

Pennsylvania's implementation of Education Information Centers sought to develop a feasible library career guidance model. Training workshops dealt with sensitive issues such as counselor and librarian stereotypes and use of the term "counseling." New linkages with community agencies were developed. (SK)

A survey of 117 young people (ages 4 to 15) in 4 public libraries in New Haven, Connecticut, examined children's attitudes toward librarians. Responses to questions about career aspirations and perceived qualities of librarians, as well as children's descriptions of their own drawings of librarians indicated a generally positive view. (10…

Reports circulation and expenditure statistics for public libraries for 1980-90, based on a representative sample of 53 U.S. public libraries serving a population of over 25,000. Data include figures for adult circulation, juvenile circulation, salary expenditures, material expenditures, and circulation and expenditures per capita. (LRW)

Describes "Mission Possible," a summer reading game with an espionage theme developed by young adult readers and the Boulder (Colorado) Public Library. Highlights include instructions for playing the game, sample activity sheets, beginning and culminating activities, daily record keeping, prizes, player evaluations of the game, and…

Provides an overview of "Read on the Wild Side," a summer reading program for young adults established by the Webster (New York) Public Library, and "Read Hard, Play Later," a young adult summer reading program of the Pioneer Library System (New York). Highlights include reading logs, T-shirts, publicity, program evaluation,…

Discusses resource sharing among libraries based on a study of data from the Illinois Library Computer Systems Organization (ILCSO). Highlights include differences in borrowing patterns based on the size of libraries, lending/borrowing ratios, and the volume of resource-sharing activity compared to other factors. (LRW)

Describes how the Orange County (Florida) Library System separated walk-in and phone-in reference services. Discusses telephone reference services, the Quest Line database, staffing and resources, results, and keys to success. Includes the Quest Line work flow chart. (PEN)

Provides 10 guidelines to help librarians meet young adults' needs based on experiences at the Berkeley (California) Public Library. Highlights include providing bibliographies on popular topics, advertising techniques, teen advisory councils, anticipating needs from homework assignments, setting aside space for teens, and encouraging teens to…

Discusses four competing public images of the public library and its relation to information technology, as identified in recent research: the traditional library, the resisting library, the adapting library, and the co-opted library. Suggests that the public perceives the management of public information as a complex problem requiring a variety…

Examines the extent of change over a one-year period in the adult fiction titles most widely held by over 4000 OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc. member public libraries. Findings indicate the most widely held titles are popular works that form a stable core from one year to the next. (Author/AEF)

Includes six articles focusing on the purpose of digital public libraries; encoding electronic documents through compression techniques; a distributed finding aid server; digital archiving practices in the framework of information life cycle management; converting metadata into MARC format and Dublin Core formats; and evaluating Web sites through…

The previous head of the Central Library of Riverside City and County Public Library (RCCPL) (California) examines the economic failure of the system and the effects of the move to total outsourcing to a private commercial firm, Library Systems & Services (LSSI). Concludes that RCCPL had problems long before it was outsourced to LSSI. (AEF)

Describes how the Seattle (Washington) Public Library celebrated National Poetry Month in 1997 with readings, workshops, lectures, and poem-a-day display boards in libraries and community centers. Suggests ways libraries can organize programs, activities, exhibits, and displays for National Poetry Month (April) at minimal cost and staff effort.…