Describes a study that determined the readability of medical information found on such CD-ROM products as the Health Reference Center on InfoTrac. Findings revealed that the readability scores all exceeded the accepted standard reading level of eighth grade, so they would not meet the needs of people with poor reading skills. (Author/LRW)

Reports the results of a survey of librarians at public libraries (PLs) that was conducted to provide details on budgets, circulation, and popular topics. Highlights include nonfiction, with the highest expenditures and circulation; local interest materials; a loss in print reference materials; and an increase in audiovisual and electronic…

Describes the results of a survey of public libraries that was conducted to identify digital technology projects. Highlights include kinds of collections being digitized (primarily photographs); costs; hardware and software used; experience levels of personnel; reasons for digitizing, including providing access to fragile materials; and technology…

In 1992, the Library Literacy Connection of the Mansfield-Richland County (Ohio) Public Library was established to help promote adult literacy. The library began documenting its impact through a collection of interviews. In this article, adult learners and tutors share their tales of libraries and literacy. (AEF)

Compares and contrasts the experiences and perceived roles of librarians and architects in the library-design processes of recently completed branch public libraries in three library systems in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia. Discusses the project team, site selection, architect selection, library interiors, and information…

This checklist-based study examined the extent to which gay-related English-language picture books for preschool and elementary age children are held across 101 public library systems from five countries (with emphasis on United States and Canada). Comparisons of holdings among library systems show large differences, and among titles show some…

The WEBrary(R) databases at the Morton Grove Public Library (Illinois) provide patron-accessible searchable databases, easily available over the library's Web site. Database offerings include the locally maintained Song Collection Index, Obituary Index, Continuations Listings, On-Order files, topical and personalized New Acquisitions files, and…

Describes Jumpstart, a Web site providing remote access to government information in CD-ROM format, developed by Oregon State University's Valley Library, as a joint venture with the Oregon State Library and the Portland Area Library System to provide hardware, software, and training to rural school and public libraries in Oregon that have limited…

Profiles the Switzerland County high, middle, and elementary schools in rural Indiana. Discusses the district's library media program and collections; the High Tech School grant award; the role of the Internet; librarian teacher partnerships; affiliation with the public library; and the sense of community throughout the district. (AEF)

Argues that middle schools must help students maintain and increase their abilities in reading. Describes a range of approaches and opportunities to emphasize reading in middle schools, including teams of teachers, tools for teachers, media specialists, public libraries, business partnerships, summertime reading programs, and thematic units. (SR)

These four articles address issues related to teens and reading. Highlights include an interview with a young adult literature author; a community literature festival in St. Charles (Illinois) that introduces students to authors, poets, journalists, and storytellers; library services for youth in detention centers, including book discussion…

Describes how schools and public libraries can link with their communities in public networks (freenets) to provide access to the Internet and other community and educational resources. Discusses the origins of cybercasting, how freenets are used, an educational online service called Academy One, telecommunications community projects in Montana…

Explains the development of library networks in Florida and the role of the state library. Topics include regional multitype library consortia; a statewide bibliographic database; interlibrary loan; Internet access in public libraries; government information, including remote public access; automation projects; telecommunications; and free-nets.…

Compares directors' use of Public Library Data Service statistics and Federal-State Cooperative System for Public Library Data statistics to show how directors make use of statistics and to highlight the statistical information that directors find particularly useful. The survey addressed: last time of use; ways of use; frequency of use of…

Based on experiences of the Vigo County Public Library in Terre Haute, Indiana, this article outlines ways libraries can attract patrons to their Web sites and features that can keep them returning. Discusses marketing and publicity; basic content and special sources and services; attractive and easy-to-use site design; good Web site maintenance;…