Describes the results of a survey of public libraries in Connecticut that was conducted to identify the factors that influence library administrators' decision-making process regarding library automation. Discusses vendor selection, funding, and costs, and copies of the survey questionnaires are appended. (Author/LRW)

Explains 10 basic steps for librarians who are interested in applying for E-Rates, the Universal Service Fund financed by the telecommunications industry as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Provides discounts on technology services including telecommunications services, Internet access, and internal connections for all public and some…

Discusses the professional accomplishments of Anne Carroll Moore, the librarian who first introduced children's services to the New York Public Library and who pioneered modern children's book reviewing and created one of the first and most influential children's booklists of her time. She arrived at the Library in 1906 and retired in 1941 at the…

Public library services are being modified or changed by the Internet. Questions about how to evaluate and measure electronic services have become increasingly important. This article presents an analysis of some ways to create, define, and institute electronic network measures. (Author/AEF)

Describes the development and construction of the Bibliotheca Alexandria, a public research library in Alexandria (Egypt) serving African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern countries as well as having global cultural implications. Topics include friends of the library groups; the role of UNESCO; and criticism of the library. Includes side bar…

An American librarian describes her experiences running a children's library in a rural town in the Philippines. Discussion includes frustrations and rewards; the children's favorite books; storytimes and games; community efforts; and her goals to leave the library a better organized, more inviting place and to teach the children how a library…

Presents a case study that describes how the Fairfax County Public (VA) has reinvented itself as a public service corporation by developing a public-private model for fund development using a top managerial committee. Discusses volunteer programs, partnerships with local utility companies, and staff training in managing patron problem behavior.…

Explains how a public library can compute the actual cost of distributing tax forms to the public by listing all direct and indirect costs and demonstrating the formulae and necessary computations. Supplies directions for calculating costs involved for all levels of staff as well as associated public relations efforts, space, and utility costs.…

Chronicles the California Library Association's battle against anti-Communist censorship attempts from 1946 to 1956 in schools and public libraries as well as on the legislative front. An overview of the "Fiske report" is offered as an explanation of how intellectual freedom challenges impacted California librarians of the period.…

Describes results of a research project conducted in Illinois to obtain detailed information about preferences of public library customers and about how much value they place on various types of library services. Discusses rural perceptions of public library contributions, willingness to pay more for service, and implications for library…

Considers the challenges that unattended, or latchkey, children create in public libraries. Discusses demographics and factors that have led to the increase in unattended children; typical library responses; opportunities for service to this group; elements of successful programs; future trends; and further research needs. (Contains 50…

Discusses how the Bensenville Community Public Library (Illinois) met the growing needs of the business community by subscribing to Infotrac's Web-based General BusinessFile. Topics include meeting the information needs of business; installing a computer station at the Chamber of Commerce; and grant funding. (LRW)

Discusses leadership theory as it relates to the library profession and the importance of factors to identify individuals who are likely to be successful that can form the basis for recruitment strategies. Describes results of testing recruitment theory in academic and public libraries, and recommends further research. (Contains 50 references.)…

Reviews relevant literature dealing with reference service to children and summarizes the developmental stages of children that can influence the interactions between librarians and children. Includes data from observations and interviews of five librarians from a children's room in a Florida public library. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of how school and public librarians can make children's lives better focuses on a list of 40 developmental assets that children need to become responsible, successful, caring adults. Considers both internal and external assets, the importance of relationships with patrons, and the importance of involving youth. (LRW)