Public libraries do not always meet community information needs because librarians are trained to answer questions through books when often the best information in an area is from alternative sources. The government provides free information on investments, jobs, health, and legal problems; experts and clearinghouses are other good information…

The 108 university research libraries with the largest collections and 11 public and special libraries with large research holdings are listed. Data include rank (universities only), numbers of volumes, volumes added in 1991-92, current serials, permanent staff, and total expenditures in 1991-92. University libraries' total operating expenditures…

Provides 26 strategies for libraries that have chosen the independent learner role and are committed to meeting the needs of young adults. A self-evaluation form on access and a list of the developmental needs of young adolescents are included. (Contains 12 references.) (EAM)

Describes the highlights of the Second National Conference of African American Librarians, held in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) in August 1994, that focused on multicultural issues. An overview of conference programs discusses leadership development and the dangers of diversity. Sidebar articles list conference award winners and exhibitors. (KRN)

Describes the manual for a Young Adult Library Advisory Board, a teen group that helps to plan and implement public library youth services. The board's purpose, the recruitment of teen volunteers from which board members can be drawn, volunteer guidelines and assignments, a step-by-step procedure for establishing the program, and a sample agenda…

Describes building security procedures developed at the Hampton Public Library (Virginia) to deal with problem patrons. Highlights include need for the library monitor program; staffing patterns; monitor selection criteria; training procedures; library behavior guidelines; library policy statements; theft detection systems; and sample job…

Describes a study that focused on users' public library reference service experiences that was carried out by graduate students from the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Western Ontario. Topics addressed include body language; reference interviews; listening skills; familiarity with relevant sources; service…

Describes two current studies in New South Wales (Australia) that examined the position of children's librarian in public libraries. One developed a profile of children's librarians and investigated how they rated themselves as managerial leaders; the other examined the recruitment and retention of children's and young adult librarians. (five…

Describes the Child Care Connection, a public library project serving preschool children by providing hard-to-reach home day-care providers with bags of children's materials. Details of planning, funding, delivery of materials, and evaluation are provided. A sample of the thematic book list for Child Care Connection Kits is appended. (KRN)

Describes a program designed to induce small public libraries in Vermont to move beyond the minimum standards of service. Highlights include long-range planning; peer review by librarians and trustees from libraries that have completed the program; the role of town meetings; role setting for the library; and mission statements. (LRW)

Describes Education Information Centers (EICs) in public libraries in New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Nebraska that have been funded by the Kellogg Foundation to serve adults who are in a job, education, or career transition. Career assessment software is reviewed, outreach strategies are described, and future plans are…

Discussion of interlibrary loan transaction fees and their effect on user requests focuses on a case study of the library of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Comparisons are made between charging and noncharging conditions, and it was found that only public libraries showed a decrease in interlibrary loans after fees were initiated. (31…

Describes a public library's winter vacation sleepover program for sixth and seventh graders. Planning, promotion, activities and games used, feedback, cost, and ideas for the future are discussed. (EAM)

Describes a literacy project (Preschooler's Outreach Program) sponsored by a public library and staffed by students from the children's literature classes at a Texas university. Shows that college students participating in this project have unique insights into literacy acquisition among young children and are able to put into immediate practice…

Presents a content analysis of PUBYAC, an electronic discussion list for Children and Young Adult Services in Public Libraries. Information is provided on the different themes and topics that appear in the list, the lifespan and liveliness of specific discussions, percentage of active participants, and distribution of messages by participant. (AEF)