This paper discusses the disadvantaged state of women in South Africa, including statistics that illustrate effects of their lack of status on their health and well being. It then focuses on the role in South Africa of the community library and information services in empowering especially women. Barriers experienced in information delivery to…

The 49 papers presented in this volume are evidence of the research, scholarship, and professional nature of the offerings of the third National Conference of African American Librarians, sponsored by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. The papers are arranged into nine tracks and Pre-Conference topics: I: Library Connections: An…

RVIB (Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind) Library & Information Services is one of five business units of RVIB, an agency that has been providing services since 1866 to people in Victoria (Australia) who are blind or visually impaired. RVIB Library & Information Services offers four core services: (1) a public library service that…

This report summarizes the activities of the South Carolina State Library for 1998-1999. Sections include: (1) library governance and mission statement; (2) brief library history; (3) details about the organization and operations of the library, including a description of each of the six service departments, a list of library staff, highlights of…

Current trends in public library reference service include use of online systems; budget constraints in public sector; increased service; use, training, and supervision of paraprofessionals; centralized organization of reference service; participation in management of reference services; and more realistic attempts at measurement and evaluation of…

User-friendly computer terminals with touch sensitive screens are used in new instruction and information dissemination system operating at Providence Public Library and Rockefeller Library at Brown University. This microcomputer-based turnkey system offers databases built by librarians providing information such as use of library, book reviews,…

Describes a method for assessing the performance of public libraries using a standardized scoring system and provides an analysis of public library data from New Jersey as an example. Library standards and the derivation of measurement ratios are also discussed. A 33-item bibliography and three data tables are included. (JL)

Four papers describe systems adopted by public libraries in the United States for computerizing community information services and information and referral programs. Word processing at the Fresno County Information and Referral Network and the automation of library processes in the Pikes Peak Library District are among the topics discussed. (JL)

Four studies summarized are concerned with teacher use of secondary school libraries, the evaluation of a school/community library, selection tools for juvenile books, and effects of study of Mexican culture on students' perceptions of Mexican Americans. Three ERIC documents are also reviewed. (CMV)

Presents 18 statistical tables which explore the relationships between sex of library director and per capita support in large public libraries. The analysis is an adaptation of findings from a biennial survey conducted since 1971 by the public library of Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana. (SW)

Describes how the Tulsa City-County Library System built a 22-branch CD-ROM-based network with the emerging thin-client/server technology, and succeeded in providing patrons with the most current research tools and information resources available. Discusses costs; networking options; the Citrix WinFrame system used; equipment and connectivity.…

The librarians and directors contributing to this article review current trends in censorship, and describe strategies, policies, and practices they would recommend. Discussion includes selection policies, educating the public, new technologies and materials, and the Internet. All agree on the library's responsibility of preserving intellectual…

The design of new public library buildings is influenced by a changing information environment. This article describes the impact of information technology (IT) and community attitudes and expectations on public library planning and design. Outlines considerations for building design: location, identity, symbolism, ambiance, accessibility, size,…

Describes how the people of Redwood Falls, Minnesota worked together to build a new public library facility in their community. Library personnel and volunteers held various fundraising activities which matched donations from a department store owner and a local grant. Discusses the architecture of the new library which includes computer…

Committed to utilizing information technology, the Westchester Library System (New York) made the World Wide Web publicly accessible. Describes the planning, implementation, and management process; obstacles involving financing; establishing Internet connectivity; and vendor negotiations. Westchester hired a Web manager, created Internet use…