Discussion of adult literacy and the role of public libraries focuses on the development of Adult Learning Centers based on experiences at the Hempstead Public Library (New York). The use of self-guided computer-assisted instruction is explained, and benefits are described. (LRW)

In 1993, the Phoenix Public Library's Special Needs Center conducted a needs assessment by surveying current and past library users and staff to determine what improvements in services were needed for patrons having all types of disabilities. The needs assessment process, general findings, and rewards of engaging in this project are described.…

A study to explore public librarians' attitudes and opinions concerning issues of intellectual freedom, collection balance, and controversial materials focused on the availability of Holocaust-denial literature. Results indicate that librarians, regardless of outside pressures, would provide access to this material. A copy of the survey is…

Presents results of a "Library Journal" study that surveyed paraprofessionals to determine their attitudes towards their jobs and supervisors, and compared salaries and job benefits of paraprofessionals and professionals in public and academic libraries. Findings indicate that paraprofessionals feel they don't get the respect and…

Highlights some of the conditions affecting rural and small libraries and describes their roles in providing information services. Results of two research investigations report that for many Americans, the community library is perceived as a place for books and is used primarily by women. The complete survey instruments and results are appended.…

Investigates the government policies in India, especially the five-year plans regarding finance, since its independence in 1947 and their impact on the establishment of the public library system. Highlights include model library systems, library development, national libraries, information services, and adult education and public libraries.…

Describes the planning, organization, and implementation of a reference workshop offered as a continuing education option for reference librarians at the Queens Borough Public Library (New York, NY). Participant evaluations are analyzed, recommendations for future learning activities are presented, and assignments and the evaluation form are…

Proposes ways in which computerized data available in public libraries can be organized and used for management decision making. Experiences in the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library system and the Monroe County (Indiana) Public Library system are described, and use of the data for preparing materials acquisition budgets is discussed. (36…

Discusses the unionization of support staff in academic and public libraries based on experiences in Ohio. Highlights include the legal framework for labor relations; reasons that library support staff are attracted to unions; negotiating the contract with union and library management; and administering the collective bargaining agreement. (10…

Describes the collection development plan implemented by the Tulsa City-County Library system to support their perception of the role of the library as providing more than recreational reading. Topics discussed include raising staff consciousness, rejecting demand buying, evaluating the collection, streamlining acquisitions, and procedures for…

Six activities to help teachers collaborate with local public libraries are suggested. Activities include making regular class visits to the library, arranging bilingual story hours, creating programs for lending toys and games, creating literacy programs for parents and children, providing lists of books on parenting, and reading additional…

Discusses recent developments in extending library services into provincial centers and rural areas in the Solomon Islands. Topics addressed include background on library development in the Solomon Islands, the establishment of the National Library Service, links to government policy, rural library history and development, provincial libraries,…

Reports on a survey that examined the perceptions of public library directors in North Carolina regarding the reasons their subordinates (i.e., nondirectors) participate in continuing education activities. Results are compared with those of an earlier survey of nondirectors that identified four motivational factors--professional competence, patron…

Describes how public libraries can plan, fund, and implement scholar-led, library-based, humanities book discussion programs using the example of the Southern Connecticut Library Council. Key steps in planning, funding, targeting the audience, selecting topics and books, obtaining community support, recruiting scholars, marketing, administration,…

Demonstrates the benefits of intergenerational reading to children, seniors, parents, and libraries, and surveys library programs in Arizona, California, and New Mexico that mix generations with books and reading. The programs described vary from scheduled to spontaneous. (EAM)