Describes the Danville Public Library's (Illinois) planning and implementation of a groundbreaking ceremony and provides guidelines for the process. Highlights include early planning, the planning staff, publicity, videotaping, selecting a convenient time, decorations, invitations, knowing individual responsibilities, commemorative items, and a…

Discusses readers' advisory services in public libraries and describes a method to convert information on specific books and genres to a computer database. Topics include utilizing staff knowledge, fields included for each book, the development of descriptors, the editing process, and writing summaries and critiques of the books. (LRW)

The bookmobile remains a feasible service option for both rural and urban libraries with about 1,000 currently in service nationwide. However, there is a growing need for professional attention to areas such as purchasing, evaluating, automating, and delivering bookmobile services. (LAE)

Discussion of problems library wholesalers/distributors face trying to fulfill public libraries' needs while adjusting to a changing industry is based on responses by librarians to a survey on library jobbers. Increased services to libraries, electronic ordering, timeliness, stock management, and quality control are addressed; and a chart of…

Describes the results of Flossmoor Public Library's long-range planning initiatives for youth services, which has resulted in improvements in collection development and programing. Evaluation procedures and techniques were recognized as valuable learning tools to increase the effectiveness of services, enhance communication with the board and…

Describes the home libraries program (i.e., circulation of reading material among children in a neighborhood, with one child acting as librarian) begun by the Boston Children's Aid Society in 1885. Similar programs begun by the Albany (NY) Library School and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (PA) in the 1890s are also described. (13 references)…

The growing population of deinstitutionalized persons with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities is described, some of their information needs are examined, methods of providing library services are suggested, and a rationale for community outreach is provided. The state program in Rhode Island is outlined. (22 references) (EAM)

Examines the role of marketing in the management of libraries. The role of public relations (PR) in the total marketing concept is discussed, surveys that have explored PR efforts in academic and public libraries are described, and changes affecting libraries that marketing efforts could help to manage are discussed. (seven references) (LRW)

The Orange County Public Library (CA) sponsors programing at the Orangewood Children's Home, a shelter for abused and neglected children. Programs include giving each child a book to keep and a library card, story times, and special programing. The library system now operates a branch at the home, and the librarian's position is being continued.…

This 1991 poll by the University of Illinois' Library Research Center consisted of a telephone survey of a representative national sample of 1,181 people and a mail survey of a random sample of 541 Public Library Association members. Data were gathered on public and professional opinions about public library services, collections, censorship,…

Argues that semiotics, the science of signs, provides a suitable research tool for investigating the communication process in public libraries. Literature review identifies research using semiotic methods, as well as communication research in public librarianship that would have profited from semiotics, as a first step toward understanding the…

Discussion of the present deterioration in public services focuses on indigent and homeless library patrons and the Kreimer v. Morristown litigation. Issues of access and intellectual freedom are addressed, First Amendment rights are discussed, and implications of this case for libraries' roles as public forums are examined. (five references) (LRW)

Describes free-nets as free public access community-based computer systems; explains how libraries and librarians participate in the free-net movement; discusses Canadian free-nets; considers the public library/free-net analogy; and provides a survey of library services on Internet-accessible free-nets and civic networks. (Contains four…

Discusses results of the 1992 Index of American Public Library Circulation based on a survey conducted by the University of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign Library Research Center. Highlights include adult and juvenile circulation, operating expenses, salaries, library materials expenditures, expenditures per capita, and expenditures per circulation.…

Describes the organization, planning, and evaluation design of a workshop involving peer-led thematic discussion groups on books for young adults, a notable author as a speaker, and a panel on promoting young adult books. A list of the theme groups and titles used is provided. (EAM)