Describes how library decision-making was enhanced by a systematic study of patrons, services, and effectiveness based on the concept known as performance measures for public libraries. Improvements in the data gathering and analysis techniques are noted; also provided are survey instruments, examples of selected revised forms, and references. (SW)

Discusses the importance of childrens' services in the public library in helping to meet many of the concerns and problems in our society. (CHC)

The research that is reported was done to describe some of the conditions under which or because of which information service is provided in small, rural public libraries, and suggests some of the problems that are endemic to such service. (Author/FM)

Presents a model for the development of statewide levels of adequacy for public libraries. Recent developments affecting the profession's thinking about standards are reviewed, various dimensions of the concept of standards are discussed, and issues that remain to be resolved are identified. (Author/JD)

Reports on a survey conducted among 72 American public libraries to gather data on foreign language collections, special services to members of ethnic communities, and special projects directed to those communities. Six references are cited. (FM)

Discusses the eight most essential administrative maneuvers that California librarians learned in the wake of the tax cut mandated by Proposition 13. (Author)

Presents a planning guide for implementation of online services at a public library, consisting of: (1) identification of public service goals and online reference objectives, (2) needs assessment, (3) manipulating the political environment, (4) project description, (5) time schedule, (6) preliminary budget, and (7) evaluation. (SW)

Presents survey data on the unique needs of the Spanish-speaking community for bilingual services and culturally reinforcing materials. The survey provides hard data on the level of awareness of library service by a sizable Mexican American population in southern California. (RAA)

Evaluates the adequacy or inadequacy of the services provided by the public, state, and school libraries for the handicapped in Nigeria. The scope, objectives, methodology, recommendations, and conclusions of the study are described, as are the institutions surveyed. (FM)

Presents the results of a survey of all state library agencies and the library agency of the Virgin Islands concerning their efforts to support local public library literacy programs and their means of support. (Author/JD)

Examines the role of public library services in adult literacy education, the definition of literacy, the nature of service clientele, literacy program development, literacy research projects, patterns of service, materials service, and librarian training for such services. References are given. (FM)

A use study examining COM use at the Los Angeles County Public Library System is summarized. Findings indicate the COM catalog is more acceptable to patrons than its book or card alternative. Equipment needed for use posed no obstacles, and there are no significant reactionary differences between different user groups. (Author/MBR)

All people must be encouraged to apply information resources to their home, civic, and community life as well as to their work. (Author)

Orientation and training of staff for information and referral (I&R) work in libraries must be based on a clear understanding of the following: 1) what I&R is as a set of tasks; 2) what knowledge, skills, and resources are needed to perform those tasks; 3) to what degree the needed knowledge, skills, and resources are already possessed by the…

The Ferguson Library of Stamford, Connecticut, uses information resources in media format as part of its community information service. (PF)