Investigated public librarians' interactions with patrons seeking geographic information with a sense-making (timeline) survey. Digital geographic data collection and information systems were utilized less in public libraries, and users had more complex needs than perceived. Explores implications for altering reference interviews and makes…

Describes the difference between literary communication ("belles-lettres") and information communication. Identifies 11 possible functions of or reasons for reading belles-lettres. Discusses the importance of literary communication to library users and the library's role in providing belles-lettres to the public. (AEF)

Discusses learning disabilities and describes services that have been developed in public libraries to help patrons with learning disabilities. Topics include collection development; assistive technology; outreach programs; staff development; and sources of help and information. (LRW)

Reduced government payments to school districts in Ontario, Canada have made it increasingly difficult to add resources to school library collections. To meet the needs of its community, St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School will share a new facility with a branch of the Cambridge Public Library. Discusses how the partnership took shape and its…

Highlights the role that innovative rural public library services can play in the development process of Nigeria to improve rural users' literacy and education and enhance their ability to use practical information relevant to their daily lives. Discusses information needs in rural Nigeria and the role of the rural librarian. (Author/LRW)

Includes three articles that debate whether interlibrary loan (ILL) is the best way to get public library patrons what they need. Highlights include return on investment; funding; alternatives to ILL, including purchase on demand and online full-text databases; cost effectiveness; and the advantages of patron-initiated ILL through interconnected…

Includes nine articles that explore the importance of the practicum component in library and information management education in Australia. Perspectives from faculty and students are offered, competency standards are discussed, and support from public libraries is presented. (Author/LRW)

Discusses various aspects of public library funding, including strategic planning; understanding the needs of the community; community-based fundraising; local tax support; financial management, including identifying costs for services and maximizing the use of current resources; and identifying funding sources. (LRW)

Describes how a historic church building in New Woodstock, New York was converted into a full-service modern library. Discusses community support and patron involvement in the project, the design plan which retained the historical integrity and satisfied modern requirements, funding from local contributions, spatial arrangements, and provisions…

Provides an overview of library cooperatives in Illinois. Considers their relationship to rural public libraries, previous attempts at evaluating cooperative systems, and current evaluation standards. Analyzes the results of a survey on the effectiveness of library cooperatives in Illinois with regard to continuing education, consultants'…

A study of 40 public school children ages 8-12 from three communities in the Los Angeles (CA) area (Beverly Hills, affluent; Compton, working class; and Watts, working and under class) found that less affluent children had access to fewer books in the home, public libraries, and school and classroom libraries. (PEN)

Describes public library services in England that provide open learning materials, appropriate computer hardware, and trained staff for adult independent education. Topics include mentoring by community librarians, development of a learning environment, support for learners, links with other organizations, and fees. (LRW)

Describes a survey of public libraries that addressed the presence of latchkey children in libraries, library policies regarding this population, and services that are or should be offered. In-depth interviews with 10 librarians explored ideal responses to latchkey children, advice on library services, and community services for children. (14…

Provides guidelines for young adult librarians developing nonprint media collections. The discussion covers the formation of collection development policies, the need to involve the community in policies, and material selection criteria. Bibliographies of guides and reviewing sources are included. (CLB)

Describes the first White House Conference on Library and Information Services and assesses its impact on youth services in school and public libraries. It is concluded that the conference had little influence on youth services and ways in which youth librarians can take a more active role in the upcoming second conference are discussed. (two…