Summarizes reasons for evaluating library literacy programs and the role of evaluation in the planning process. What to measure is discussed, and sample measures for library collections, support services, and direct instruction are listed. Issues to be considered in developing program objectives and evaluation strategies are also addressed. (10…

The innovative designs of three libraries are described: the Tempe (Arizona) Public Library, which emphasizes services for children and students; an underground library at Park College, Missouri; and a public library located in the Vancouver (Washington) Mall. The fourth article describes the work going on to restore the Los Angeles (California)…

Reviews the idealistic origins of the public library in the United States and the gradual shift from private to public financial support. It is argued that a skeptical attitude toward the public sector led to the recent financial crisis for public libraries, and that strategies for funding must include reaffirmation of the original idealistic…

Reviews the factors that tend to limit youth services budgets in public libraries, and discusses the need to collect relevant data on the use of libraries by children and adolescents to justify financial support of youth services. Strategies for collecting such data are outlined and appropriate resource allocation is discussed. (CLB)

Describes a project that modified the fill rate survey from "Output Measures for Public Libraries" to assess the library needs of middle school children. The resulting development of an up-to-date, graded nonfiction collection and its impact on library use by middle schoolers is discussed. The modified survey form is included. (five…

Describes the growing demand for video materials in public libraries and argues that libraries should develop policies for videos that are comparable to policies for print materials. Policy areas discussed include loan periods, interlibrary loans, reserves, freedom to view, and user fees. (CLB)

Describes policies and services developed by public libraries to deal with the needs of both latchkey children and unattended adolescents. Issues addressed include students' rights to recreational activities, community involvement in library programs, patron conduct and supervision, and balancing the needs of all library patrons. (CLB)

Twenty-two articles present ways librarians who work with young people have reached out to the community. Most describe cooperative efforts between schools and public libraries. Other topics include a school read-aloud program, a public library's work with preschoolers, common elements in guidelines for school and public libraries, and management…

Twelve articles discuss personnel management in libraries. Topics covered include building job commitment among employers, collective bargaining, entry-level recruitment, employee turnover, performance evaluation, managing resistance to change, training problems, productivity, employee stress, compensation systems, and the Allerton Park Institute.…

Describes the procedures followed by Louisiana public libraries in establishing and operating that state's award winning summer reading program. The cooperative efforts of the state library, state library association, and committees of public librarians are discussed, as is the incorporation of performing artists funded by grants from the state's…

Compares the experience of watching television with the experience of reading books, and cites examples of television programs that have introduced viewers to the world of ideas and led them to look for more information in books. Librarians are advised to include a printed bibliography of related books when they check out a video masterpiece. (MES)

The 23 articles in this special issue describe resource materials and research tools available for genealogical research. The topics covered include the use of government records, materials contained in Illinois public library collections and archives, the organization of genealogical collections, and library services offered to genealogists. (CLB)

Describes the process of question referral in California's second-level reference centers where questions are referred by public librarians, and provides examples of questions and sources typical of humanities research. Topics include the varied clientele and the use of databases, reference files, library collections, organizations, special…

Marketing techniques in youth services are useful for designing programs, collections, and services and for determining customer needs. The marketing mix--product, place, price, and practice--provides a framework for service analysis. (AEF)

Examines literature on latchkey children and public libraries, and reviews solutions to this issue. Presents four recommendations to help public libraries clarify their role in serving latchkey children: educate personnel regarding appropriate services, develop a written policy, reevaluate programs and services, become involved in a community task…