A survey of 66 libraries providing bookmobile services found that the main constraint on bookmobile services is the lack of funding, that most bookmobile librarians do not receive enough questions to warrant carrying reference sources, that only 5% were equipped to handle physically challenged patrons, and that more than 30% had automated…

Describes referral lists created by the Education, Job and Computer Center at the Brooklyn Public Library to help patrons with employment, job training, or educational opportunities. Highlights include the creation process, distribution, use, and an appendix that includes referral list procedures. (Author/LRW)

The public library has become the locus for public anxiety about children's access to objectionable material on the Internet. Discusses Judith Krug's (Director of the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom) defense of unrestricted access, acceptable use, and filtering software. Highlights six filtering programs (client and…

Describes a program called Get Real 'n' Read developed by Perth (Australia) public librarians to offer adolescents a greater incentive to use the library and to improve the image of reading. Topics include demographic characteristics of the area; planning; and advertising, including donations appealing to the target audience. (LRW)

Examines what differences libraries and librarians make, primarily from the perspective of geographical communities. States reasons why this is an essential research issue and describes contributions of current public library planning tools to the determination of impact. Examines the framework that is essential for the intellectual development of…

Examines four significant unanswered questions related to children's and young adult services in public libraries. After reviewing the existing knowledge base that can serve as scaffolding for the needed research, the author suggests strategies for refining and implementing this research agenda. (Contains 62 references.) (Author/AEF)

Thirty-one public library users were observed searching the Web and/or a Web-based on-line catalog. Four user categories were identified, distinguished by number of search approaches employed. Results indicate experience and motivation, elements of situational goals and mental models, work in tandem to determine search approaches, Web sites…

Examines public library interlibrary loan statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) as a measure of the effectiveness of efforts to equalize service throughout a state. Data from 1988-89 are compared with data from approximately 5 years earlier from 35 states. Data without earlier year comparisons are offered for other…

Proposes targeting individuals, corporations, and charitable foundations and trusts as a means of supplementing library fund-raising campaigns. The basics of establishing and maintaining a private funds foundation are addressed, including goal setting, personnel required, and nurturing the library's relationship with the community. A sidebar by…

Describes attempts to develop library services in the island republic of Kiribati (the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line islands). The development of rural library service in conjunction with school libraries is discussed, a postal library service is described, the establishment of village libraries is discussed, and constraints that have inhibited…

Briefly reviews the history of public libraries in the United States and discusses the features that make them distinctive from other libraries, including patrons served, objectives, services provided, collections, involvement in public relations and dependence on local financial support. It is argued that public libraries have a bright future,…

Discusses the applications of computer technology to community information and referral (I&R) services, basic planning considerations for automating an I&R service, and the development of an automated I&R system. Examples of computer supported I&R services in operation are given and the Tulsa City-County Library System's approach…

Discusses library circulation figures as a reflection of the success of library services and describes merchandising techniques that have produced a 137 percent circulation increase at Queens Borough Public Library over the past seven years. Merchandising techniques such as minibranches, displays, signage, dumps, and modified shelving are…

Describes the activities of and responses to a summer reading program for preschool and elementary school children offered by the Tulsa City-County Library System. Suggestions for developing and implementing such programs are offered, including planning guidelines, the design of print materials, and publicity strategies. (CLB)

Describes a teen volunteer program sponsored by the Clearwater Public Library System. The discussion covers promotional activities, job responsibilities and training, program evaluation, staffing, and funding. The volunteer application and guidelines are appended. A sidebar reports the results of a national survey of the public library resources…