Outlines the proposed Public Communication System (PCS) being explored at the University of Wisconsin and University of Iowa to provide coalition-based, nonprofit public access to the Internet/NREN (National Research and Education Network) and associated information resources. Funding, organization, prospects for success, benefits to the public,…

Reports on the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services. Highlights include conference delegates; an initiative providing recommendations for priority actions in the context of the Omnibus Children and Youth Literacy through Libraries Act, including school library services and public library children's and young adult…

A cross-section of libraries in the United Kingdom was surveyed to investigate the prevalence of systems librarians and their education, work experience, duties, and professional activities. Preliminary findings of one section of the questionnaire indicate that systems librarians are generally associated with larger institutions that have large…

This study examined the use of service orientation as a selection criterion for public services librarians in public and academic libraries. Analysis of job advertisements and data collected by questionnaires sent to a sample of individuals responsible for hiring public services librarians indicated the importance of service orientation. (three…

Surveys were conducted of the directors of 120 Ontario public libraries and 7 Canadian library schools to assess how well the schools are preparing students for administrative and management positions. It was found that the schools are covering the topics deemed important by public libraries through general courses in library administration. (36…

Discusses results of a survey of state library agencies that was conducted to determine current practices for the provision of consultants and workshops for the improvement of reference services in public libraries. The necessity of continuing education is considered, implications for library schools are examined, and future research is suggested.…

Describes a 1988 survey of Canadian public libraries that was conducted to investigate intellectual freedom and censorship pressures and practices. Relevant institutional policies are examined, age restrictions are discussed, collection challenges are described, the libraries' responses to such pressures are studied, and further research is…

Examines the impact of Hurricane Andrew on the Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS). Topics discussed include the community's response to the sudden lack of library services; the use of library branches as emergency relief centers and communications centers; library disaster policies; and visions for MDPLS under a new director. (LRW)

Describes a program conducted by the Multnomah (Oregon) County Library for child care providers. Approaches to preparing collections appropriate for providers and for children in child care, providing training for providers, and developing collaborative relationships with providers are discussed. A bibliography of a core collection of 19 titles…

Highlights examples of outreach and lending programs that bring the museum experience into school and public libraries and suggests that the school library media specialist can act as the link between museums and teachers. A list of contacts for the nine programs mentioned is provided. (EAM)

Describes results of a survey of rural public libraries that was conducted to determine what technology is currently available and in use. Highlights include library personnel education; cataloging and other areas of technical services; reference services; online databases; and suggestions for further studies. A copy of the questionnaire…

Describes a survey that was designed to gather information on the time-management practices of library directors in large public libraries. Highlights include delegation of authority, leadership styles relating to conflict resolution, a ranking of activities that waste time, the use of committees, and gender and age differences. (15 references)…

Discussion of the need for strategic planning in public libraries highlights a case study of a small resort town library, the Crawford Memorial Library, in Monticello, New York. Deciding on specific library roles and planning their implementation are described, and the importance of environment and competition in strategic planning is explained.…

Describes the roles of various divisions of the American Library Association (ALA) in helping to pass the youth services resolution at the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS2). A sidebar contains the text of the resolution, which is entitled The Omnibus Children and Youth Literacy through Libraries Act. (LRW)

Reviews 30 reference sources in all subject areas, except the sciences, that were published in 1992. Appropriateness for public, academic, or other type of library is given in each review. CD-ROM products are included in this annual list for the first time, and the competition between print and CD-ROM reference works is described in a sidebar.…