This study was designed to analyze some of the services offered by Illinois libraries serving populations of fewer than 2,500, particularly in terms of how they operate and which circulation services are used most frequently. A questionnaire was mailed to 192 libraries, with 131 or 68.2% returning usable responses. Among the general findings: (1)…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not the reference interview is essential in the provision of public library reference service. A survey questionnaire was mailed to 125 small and medium sized public libraries throughout Ohio. The survey was administered in the spring of 1994 with a response rate of 56%. Respondents were asked…

This manual provides information to help libraries in Texas considering an automation project, with special emphasis on smaller libraries. The solutions discussed are microcomputer-based. The manual begins with a discussion of how to prepare for the automation of a library, including planning, approval, collection decisions, policy, and staffing.…

The purpose of this manual is to provide a conceptual framework of information concerning the reporting, financial, contractual, and auditing requirements for recipients of Texas State Library grants funded with state and federal funds under the Library Systems Act (LSA) and the Library Service and Construction Act (LSCA). The manual is divided…

A task force was charged with developing a revised set of guidelines for public library service to children in Vermont. Together with the results of a survey of Vermont public libraries, the help of recommendations from other states, and the expertise of individual libraries, the task force drew up a number of guidelines. In the first section the…

Based on a Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) study mandated by Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 347, Laws of 1979, this publication recommends that state aid to public library system resource libraries be increased by 10%, with the funds to be used strictly for resource library collection development. Issues examined during the study…

To make the most of a library, read and read and read. Here's a sure remedy for the television habit: pile a stack of library books on the television set and next time, instead of turning on a program, reach for a book. Some people limit themselves to reading current bestsellers, but the library is full of yesterday's bestsellers which are still…

Describes both the formal and informal methods used by the Detroit Public Library in analyzing the information needs of the residents to be served by the library's information and referral program. (Author/PF)

Several examples are given of libraries supporting the learning society. Among these are the Dallas approach to college-level exams and the roles of various special libraries in serving outsiders and those within their own organizations. (Author)

The harsh realities public libraries must face include the low esteem in which cities are held, city-dwellers' doubt of themselves, shrinking financial resources, and decreased readership. (Author/PF)

Describes methods used to modify Library of Congress subject headings to indicate the relationship of materials to Hong Kong for a union catalog of local materials. (PF)

This article describes the experience of a teacher invited to discuss Paul Cowan's "An Orphan in History" at a "Let's Talk About It" book program on the theme, "Being Ethnic, Becoming American: Struggles, Successes, Symbols." This was one of a series of book reading and discussion programs jointly sponsored by the…

Written to give public library trustees in the state of Maine an overall picture of their duties and responsibilities, this handbook covers: (1) the mission, role, and organization of the board of trustees; (2) trustee orientation; (3) meeting procedure; (4) continuing education for trustees; (5) public relations; (6) finance and budgeting; (7)…

This action plan for the Caroline County (MD) Public Library describes the key elements of library service for the 1985-86 fiscal year, derived from the library's long range plan for 1985-90. Objectives, strategies, activities, and timetables for accomplishing the following goals are outlined: (1) citizens of the county will increasingly meet…