Anecdotal evidence suggests that valuation of library collections is not being addressed by library managers, despite the growing popularity of accrual accounting in publicly funded institutions. This article discusses the implications of asset valuation and describes the development and implementation a method for valuing the library collections…

The availability of Internet access in public libraries has raised concerns about free speech rights and library liabilities. This article, part one in a three part series, examines the constitutional background for free speech and Internet provision, defining "speech" and highlighting limitations to free speech and court analysis of…

Provides a historical view of the spread of public libraries in North Carolina. Highlights include subscription libraries; tax-supported libraries; the role of women's groups; state assistance; library services to African Americans; bookmobiles; and a series of maps that show the incidents of public libraries in various years. (Contains 52…

Describes the experiences of the Joliet Public Library Outlet (Illinois), which was opened in a mall. Highlights include rent, access to the library and increased patronage, criteria for deciding between enclosed and strip malls, other location considerations. funding, and marketing. (AEF)

Examines how various public libraries in the Chicago area approach the issue of whether or not to allow coffee and food in the library. Discusses competition with "glossy new" bookstores; research, marketing, and experiments using bookstores as models; and the development of public lounges/coffee shops which are separate from the rest of…

The final report of the Illinois General Assembly Task Force on Library Finance is presented. An initiative was recommended to provide enhanced opportunities for public access to electronic information by improving technology in libraries. The task force recommended an increase in fees to provide the necessary funding for this initiative. (AEF)

Examines the creation of the Internet Public Library Reference Division in the historical context of librarians' efforts to integrate the use of technologies with reference services. Discussion considers ways that librarians have successfully incorporated new technologies and makes recommendations for use of the Reference Division and Internet…

Presents statistics from the 1995 Index of American Public Library Circulation, including the index of library expenditures (salary expenditures, material expenditures, and others), adult and juvenile circulation figures, circulation per capita, expenditures per capita, expenditures per circulation, and material expenditures per capita. (LRW)

Due to inaccuracies in method, public libraries consistently undermeasure their reference transactions. This article chronicles the process of developing ways to systematize the count. Results of a literature survey, merits of various sample sizes, sample selection, and calculations are all discussed. Appendices include a list of categories of…

This article uses a feminist standpoint to examine the beginnings of library service to children in this country and the women instrumental in designing that service. It also examines the complex institutional and interpersonal relationships among these female librarians and the women who founded children's publishing. Contains 128 references.…

Circulation for CD-ROMs rose from 56 per month in 1993 to 493 per month in 1996 at the City of York Public Library in Toronto, Canada. Discusses the need for technical expertise; quantity and quality of CD-ROMs; assessing the costs; product durability, damage, and losses; and legal issues under the North American Free Trade Agreement. Lists the…

Discusses the need for effective library service to people with disabilities and focuses on the need to train users, based on experiences at the Special Needs Center of the Phoenix (Arizona) Public Library. Highlights include training rewards; librarians as trainers; and needs assessment through interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, and task…

Describes the Greensboro (North Carolina) Public Library's "Community of Readers," a network of community representatives who provide strategic planning for literacy services and act as advocates for literacy students. Also highlights the "Literacy in Libraries Across America" project as well as 13 public libraries in four…

Traditional output measures for library services do not address the use of electronic resources and services, and national efforts to formulate such measures have failed. Describes the efforts of the Federal State Cooperative System for Public Library Data to identify output measures and the merits of various measures for local use of electronic…

Examines information policy in Singapore and compares some aspects of it with Australia. Discusses developments in Singapore since the publication of the "Library 2000" report in 1994 and public library services. Concludes that Australia is set to become an underdeveloped nation in Asian information policy terms. (Author/LRW)