Notes that library support kept pace with inflation during 1980 and indicates a continuing sex bias with respect to women library directors. Women are neither proportionately represented nor paid as well as their male counterparts and their libraries suffer from lower per capita financial support. Data and references are provided. (RAA)

Reports the results of an unobtrusive study, from a user's viewpoint, of reference services available in the Suffolk Cooperative Library System. The study raises questions of policy centering around user expectations of library reference services. (RAA)

Focuses on the selection of materials whose content and format are interesting to and useful with older adults. Access to these materials is considered in terms of format, traditional library facilities, and alternate delivery systems (deposit collections, bookmobile service, shut-in service, books by mail, and cooperative services). (Author/JD)

Discusses the significance of some statistical trends in education level reached by older adults during the past 30 years; describes/summarizes some adult learning projects, including the College Entrance Board Adult Learning Project, and suggests librarian functions with adult learners; and argues for a life task orientation for adult education.…

Discusses the need for providing information on children's books for parents, and describes the development of such a course for parents by a children's librarian. The format of the course and topics covered are presented, as well as the reactions of participating parents. Extensive references are included. (BK)

This description of the Vigo County Public Library's implementation of planning, programming, and budgeting focuses on its output measurement system, Complete Service Statistics. Measures of five service categories are developed--lending, facilities, information, production, and staff--to gather statistics for library management. (RAA)

Cites topics, videotapes, and films focusing on women's issues appropriate for public library adult programs, and presents annotated bibliographies of materials on the legal rights of women, battered women, and psychological depression. (CWM)

Computer technology and data banks are making manual storage systems outdated; yet it is difficult for libraries to obtain funding for automated retrieval equipment. Five suggestions to meet funding needs are offered. The effect on publishers of the projected decrease in book use is also noted. (SW)

Introduces the problems and constraints that will exist in the design and implementation of a library-based urban information system. (Author/PF)

Only 1 in 20 library directors serving communities of fewer than 2,500 people have an Master of Library Science degree or equivalent. This article examines problems facing small and rural public libraries and the necessity for a new form of librarianship brought about by the Internet. Proposes a professional action plan for library staff…

Circulation of individual titles held by Wellington Public Library (New Zealand) were compared before and after television dramatizations of the works had been aired; the objective was to establish whether readers' choice of title was influenced by television. Results showed no statistically significant increase, indicating that television…

To improve its service, the Offa (Nigeria) township library conducted a user study. The investigation found that 51% of users were students ages 19 and below and that 78% were males. Most users wanted extended hours, improved newspaper collections, more accurate shelving, and a consistent lending policy for all materials and users. (PEN)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 14 books the author considers essential reading for public and school librarians working with teens. Lists books published through 1996. (PEN)

Adams Memorial Library (Pennsylvania) and Wichita Public Library Comotara Branch (Kansas) are examples of libraries that successfully partnered with supermarkets to house their facilities. Library services are automated, convenient, and make access easier for users. Conflicts occurred when trying to match library hours with store hours, but such…

Describes a statewide demonstration project at the University of Illinois at Chicago to provide consumer health information to public libraries and clinics using InfoTrac's Health Reference Center CD-ROM database. Highlights include system specifications for the client-server network, planned enhancements, and preliminary evaluation results. (LRW)