Compares public library use surveys conducted in 1948 by the American Library Association and in 1991 by the National Center for Education Statistics. Results indicate that public library use by both adults and children has risen dramatically, but library use by minorities and low income adults has changed very little. (KRN)

This article is a condensed version of a presentation from the 1991 Public Library Association (PLA) conference that addressed the need for appropriate responses by libraries to changing ethnic and racial populations. Topics discussed include racism, cultural competence in the library profession, adjusting library services, effective leadership,…

Argues for simplification in the use and development of bibliographic standards to increase usability by librarians and patrons and to reduce costs for libraries. The application of technology such as hypertext is also considered. (EA)

The opinions of library school faculty in public and school librarianship regarding journal prestige show wide divergence in their rankings. Public library faculty rank research journals more highly, in agreement with deans' assessments; and school library faculty rank general interest journals more highly. Implications for tenure and promotion…

Describes an annual forum of academic and public librarians from the United States and Mexico that discusses common interests such as resource sharing, collection development, and literacy programs and considers longer-range programs. Sidebar articles cover Spanish language publishing in the United States and an annual book fair held in Mexico for…

Discusses the training of professional and paraprofessional staff who do reference work in public, academic, and school libraries. The source-centered teaching approach versus teaching the search process is discussed, user needs are considered, and the use of Dewey Decimal Classification to teach the organization of the collection is described.…

Presents nine articles that suggest public relations ideas for public libraries and junior and senior high school libraries. Highlights include a campaign designed to win community support for new public library service; reaching out to students, teachers, administrators, the school board, the community, and other librarians; newsletters; and the…

Reports results of a nationwide survey of the United Kingdom public's citizenship information needs (in relation to national and local government issues and for survival information). A second survey examined further the concept of the "well-informed" and active citizen, and attitudes toward the uptake and use of information and…

Examines the effect of information technology on library school curriculum, the role of reference librarians in public libraries, reference services, and user access to information. Identifies four limitations that may affect the service given by reference librarians: subject knowledge, language, cultural literacy, and logical inference…

Discusses the design of combined school/public libraries and includes the views of three high school librarians and two elementary school librarians who helped create combined libraries. Topics include physical design issues, including entrances, lighting, and location; funding; cost benefits; contracts; signage; and parking. (LRW)

Describes six information technology projects in California libraries, including Internet access in public libraries; digital library developments at the University of California, Berkeley; the World Wide Web home page for the state library; Pacific Bell's role in statewide connectivity; state government initiatives; and services of the state…

Discussion of library automation in Illinois focuses on ILLINET, the Illinois Library and Information Network. Topics include automated resource sharing; ILLINET's online catalog; regional library system automation; community networking and public library technology development; telecommunications initiatives; electronic access to state government…

This annotated bibliography of titles published in 1997 (in English) lists materials dealing with information literacy, including instruction in the use of information resources, research, and electronic skills related to retrieving, using, and evaluating information. Titles are presented in the categories of Academic Libraries; Public Libraries;…

Describes the "Jump Start" program, developed with Library Services and Technology Act funds and designed to provide more pre-school services to children in a poor community in Chicago. Discusses the project plan; workshops for area child care providers and future workers in the field; collection development; outreach to educational institutions;…

In most middle- and upper-income homes across the United States, children, youth, and their families have access to the world's information-technology resources at their fingertips, while in low-income communities, access to technology and the opportunities it provides are often limited to brief periods of computer use and Internet access at…