Argues that the inability or refusal of librarians to define their own mission has resulted in school libraries without professional staff, academic libraries perceived as warehouses, and public libraries that fluctuate with society's whims. The premise that saving the library is a primary concern, regardless of the quality of the institution, is…

Describes a checklist survey of five major Metropolitan Toronto library systems that examined the inclusion of New Right literature in library collections. It is concluded that the presence of this literature indicates a strong commitment to intellectual freedom by Canadian librarians. The checklist used is provided. (six references) (CLB)

The article gives parents of physically disabled children suggestions for development of an assistive device lending library through the public or school library. Guidelines for writing the proposal (the introduction, statement of need, suggested funding sources, advantages for the library) and submitting the proposal are given. (DB)

Describes the results of a survey of rural public libraries that examined the impressions of librarians involved in establishing the role of the library, the degree to which planning is accomplished, and current socioeconomic data relevant to rural libraries. The discussion focuses on the finding that librarians are not planning for future…

Describes a survey of public librarians that examined their understanding and use of bibliographic instruction and their beliefs about the role of instruction in reference services. No consensus was found, but respondents' views seemed to be mediated by training in bibliographic instruction, library size, and the library's policy on user…

Reviews the development of public libraries during the twentieth century and examines the influences of public libraries on twentieth-century presidents. It is noted and discussed that presidents who were well served as youths by public libraries or who provided leadership for public libraries during their administrations came from families of…

Discusses various aspects of home schooling, including reasons that parents choose home schooling, two major schools of thought on home education, historical perspectives, and legal issues. The role of the public library is examined and some services offered to home schoolers are described. A bibliography of books for parents is provided. (10…

Reviews the results of studies that have measured manual and online reference performance in public libraries. Topics discussed include librarian interactions with patrons; characteristics of successful online searches; the recall and precision tradeoff; and the cost effectiveness of online searching. (two references) (CLB)

Describes a program developed by the San Francisco Public Library to help parents introduce their infants and toddlers to appropriate literature. The benefits for children, parents and librarians are discussed, and suggestions are offered to librarians wishing to start a program. A bibliography of source materials is provided. (5 references) (CLB)

Reviews studies that have attempted to measure levels of community library service, and describes the testing of hypotheses related to the impact of public library system development in Wisconsin on community library services. Conclusions about public library service in Wisconsin and the research methodology used are stated. (16 references) (CLB)

Five articles present an overview of trends and issues affecting rural libraries. The areas discussed include the status of rural library services; outreach programs; the role of library cooperation in the support of rural library service; the development of rural information centers; and political marketing of the rural library. (CLB)

Describes a study that conducted interviews with 27 linguistic minority parents (i.e., parents of students for whom English is not their first language) to investigate their general understanding and use of public libraries. Reasons for nonuse of libraries are discussed, including a lack of knowledge about libraries, no prior experience, and…

Discussion of private fund raising by public libraries focuses on a survey of public library directors that was conducted to obtain information about successful fund-raising strategies. Highlights include uses of money raised; identifying funding sources and prospects; examples of successful activities; and gift policies. (Contains four…

Describes a project at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore that enables at-risk children to develop Internet skills. Discusses the recruitment and training of volunteer tutors, promotion of the project, and peer recruitment. A sidebar provides a list of Internet sites used in the lessons. (AEF)

Outlines the Whole Service approach to developing a plan to meet young adult needs in libraries. Balancing service with increasingly restricted staff and funds is considered; a worksheet that addresses needs (recreation, school/homework support, personal information) and resources (physical space, staff, collection, special activities) is…