Summarizes the major findings of the Gallup Survey and discusses their implications for public library planning. (PF)

Argues that libraries have a social responsibility toward their patrons, and that the public library can and should provide a positive, supportive role for young adults in their development toward independence. (JD)

Reports and surveys help identify use patterns, problems of funding, staffing, cataloging, collection development and equipment in relation to the use of video and cable television in public libraries since the early 1970's. Use of these technologies can be mastered by public libraries committed to serving as information agents in today's society.…

Guidelines on the why, what, and how of selection of reading materials for a children's library are discussed, including: (1) money, range of demand, and attitude of customers; (2) proportions and quality of stock, and bias; and (3) alternative schemes for critically assessing books as an important step in the selection process. (MBR)

The Community Health Information Network, a cooperative library network established between a community hospital and six public libraries, is described. This model program provides health education and information services to patient/consumers and library services to health personnel through their public libraries. Funding, factors leading to the…

The article discusses the problems encountered by the library on the East Cocopah Reservation near the town of Somerton, Arizona. (NQ)

Describes the inequities and inefficiencies created by user fees in public libraries and publicly supported academic libraries and agencies. Alternatives to user fees are suggested. (KP)

This essay relates the economic cycle, unemployment, and inflation to reading habits and public library circulation. Highlights include recent English sociological study and its implications for current increases in public library use, future library use, effect of the economy on kind of public library use, and reasons why people read. (EJS)

Argues that leadership and managerial skills should be developed in all librarians including children's librarians. The problems of developing managerial skills as a training function of the library organization are addressed and suggestions for an administrator planning such training are given. (EM)

A survey of 113 Texas libraries examined characteristics of reference positions to determine whether there were important similarities and differences between public and academic libraries in the areas of professional qualifications for employment; job skills and responsibilities; work scheduling; benefits; and departmental characteristics. The…

Suggests factors to be considered in planning a youth services department: (1) the public served; (2) kinds of materials included in the collection; (3) kinds of equipment available; (4) commitment to public service; (5) amenities for public comfort; (6) needs of library staff; and (7) integration of youth services into total library service. (MES)

A study of the information world of custodial workers at a large university in the South revealed: (1) information needs in the areas of health, career opportunities, and interpersonal relationships; (2) little information exchange among workers; and (3) little use of the public library. The interview schedule is appended. (51 references) (MES)

Describes both a dichotomy between library managers and library staff involved in direct service and a supervisory development instrument intended for use by employees to rate supervisors. This instrument, which is included, is designed to encourage an organizational climate characterized by mutual trust and shared values among supervisors and…

This study examined differences between public library patrons and librarians in their assessments of the competence of librarians they observed in videotaped reference interviews. Interviews varied in the level of nonverbal warmth shown by the librarian toward the patron and in the level of inclusion exhibited. (6 references) (Author/MES)

Describes the Children's Writers Workshop, a summer program of the Troy (New York) Public Library, which introduces children to the art of bookmaking by allowing them to write, illustrate, lay out, and bind their own books. Registration policy, staff, materials, costs, funding, and activities for the five sessions are among the topics covered. (6…