The biggest obstacle to democratic access to literature is cultural fear. Adult education may be an effective means of dispersing fear and ensuring common ownership of a cultural heritage. (SK)

Analyzes the responses from 1,554 Carnegie public libraries that responded to a survey designed to determine the present status of their buildings. Data by state show buildings still being used as libraries and those used for other purposes, and the preservation of at least one original Carnegie building is recommended. (LRW)

Describes the Association of Research Libraries Geographic Information System (GIS) Literacy Project and the experiences of several libraries involved in electronic mapping. An in-depth description of the University of Connecticut's map library is provided. Sidebars include information about GIS business applications and sources of products…

Discusses the development and current decline of public libraries in Egypt based on a study of international influences which helped shape national discourses about development and provided the context for policymaking and resource allocation in Egypt. The role of UNESCO is examined, and further research is suggested. (LRW)

Discusses the benefits and drawbacks of fee-based services offered by tax-supported libraries and describes their rationale, extent, and cost-benefit potential. Research services, video rentals, online searching, and interlibrary loan services are among the fee-based services described. (KRN)

Coauthor of two widely cited manuals on public library planning and evaluation says continued reliance on the works may be detrimental and suggests five additional areas to include in a revised planning manual: future visioning; locally developed service roles; planning for technology; managing evaluation data; and community needs assessment.…

Six articles discuss and illustrate new library facilities and furnishings. The winning libraries in the Library Buildings Awards Program, sponsored by American Institute of Architects (AIA) and American Library Association (ALA), are shown; two case studies of library renovation and design are presented; and the design for a new medical library…

Reviews the accomplishments of Ernestine Rose, a pioneer in providing library services to Blacks in Harlem from 1920 to 1942. Her activities included involving community leaders in library governance; establishing a separate collection of Negro materials; work with the Negroes Round Table of the American Library Association; and the Harlem…

Relating college architecture to campus evolution requires saving the best old buildings through renovation and adaptive use, having noticeably modern buildings relate to older buildings, and respecting the historic composition of buildings and land. Princeton University, the Morristown (New Jersey) Free Public Library, and Lawrenceville School…

Discusses young adult literature and suggests ways to encourage young adults to become involved in the reading process. People who have acted as advocates for young adult reading are described; problems that discourage young adult reading are discussed; and a list of recommended young adult titles is included. (eight references) (LRW)

Provides historical background and describes the change in the role of Russian libraries from conduits for party propaganda to organizations designed to serve the needs of their users. Considers problems for library educators in providing librarians with the skills needed in the new political and technological environment of post-Communist Russia.…

Presents ideas and strategies to enhance digital reference services available via the Internet in public libraries. Describes print publications which include Web reference columns; subject guides, both print and online; and the resources of the Internet Public Library and other virtual reference desks. (LRW)

Illustrates the benefits of an aggressive library program of regularly scheduled and professionally curated art exhibitions and related events. Describes the Visual Arts Program at the Pacific Beach branch library (San Diego). A sidebar by Debra Wilcox Johnson discusses libraries' development of cultural programming for adults. (AEF)

Outlines and assesses the collection development and selection procedures for multicultural literature by children's librarians in public libraries. Examines selection patterns of public librarians determining what selection procedures are appropriate for multicultural materials for children. Finds that the ethnic constituency of a community in…

Examines the history of the information profession, beginning with Melvil Dewey's first library education program. Discusses the concept of a profession; character; authority; power; cultural authority; access to information; the utilization of information as power; public librarianship; and the organization of information. (LRW)