Describes a public library program designed to stimulate appreciation of adult fiction written in and about the contemporary western United States. Discussion covers project objectives, oral interpretation of literature, project phases, study guides and bibliographies, staff orientation, lectures, evaluators, personnel, publicity, problems, and…

Presents a methodology for construction of location modeling for public library facilities in diverse urban environments. Historical and current research in library location is reviewed; and data collected from a survey of six library systems are analyzed according to population, spatial, library use, and library attractiveness variables. (48…

Offers collection development suggestions for public libraries interested in materials on AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Sources of AIDS information are discussed; censorship issues are addressed; formats are considered; and an annotated list of 38 relevant titles in a variety of formats is…

This followup to a 1981 study presents descriptions of automated projects or activities in academic, public, and special libraries or information centers in the Greater Sao Paulo region that developed from 1981 through 1987. It is noted that an overall increase in the level of automation since 1981 has been observed. (four references) (Author/MAB)

Describes the Library Cable Network (LCN), a public access cable television network in Illinois. Discussion covers costs; organization and personnel; programing, including a series of author interviews, children's programs, and features on local attractions; new audiences, particularly minority and ethnic groups; and future telecommunications…

Discusses the requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act for self-evaluation of public libraries and reports data on accessibility from a survey of public libraries in Illinois. Leased facilities and transition plans are considered; and a self-evaluation form is presented that covers persons consulted, accessibility, employment and…

Discussion of changes in the relationship between public libraries and school libraries presents the views of six public librarians on the role of public libraries in the improvement of public education. Highlights include children's programs, political involvement, adult literacy programs, an argument against involvement in public education, and…

Discusses "Night Owl," a Maryland public library's after hours telephone reference service. Issues include project start-up, user profiles, types of questions, volume, after hours reference accessibility, security, costs, service limits, publicity, staffing, and employee turnover. Similar services in other states are cited. (Contains six…

Twenty-eight adolescent girls were questioned about their life concerns and the role of information in helping with these concerns. They were able to identify a number of information needs. Most thought that information was available to assist them but not from school and public libraries. The findings suggested possible reasons for this.…

Examines the work of women's voluntary associations in support of public libraries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Activities studied include support of traveling libraries, library legislation, and the founding of local libraries. Cooperation of organized women's groups with the American Library Association and other organizations is…

Describes a summer reading program developed for young adults that features a computerized approach to book selection. Details of the use, rationale, database development, organization and marketing of the program, which was developed by a Michigan library federation, are provided. Sample publicity materials accompany the article. (KRN)

Describes results of a CD-ROM Market Study that surveyed public, academic, and special libraries. Highlights include expenditures for CD-ROM versus online databases; budget allocations for CD-ROM; vendors and services; criteria for the selection of a CD-ROM database; the use of online services; local area networks (LANs); number of terminals; and…

Describes three specific programs developed in Sri Lanka to provide library services to urban and rural poor people. Providing reading material to children to help raise literacy levels is emphasized, resources required for these extension services are examined, and the responsibility for the administration of the projects is considered. (LRW)

Provides an overview of this special issue of Wilson Library Bulletin on library services to a growing racially and ethnically diverse population. Highlights include nationwide responses from professional associations and government agencies; reaching community libraries; making library activities accessible to underserved populations; and the…

Describes major influxes of immigrant populations in the United States in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, their impact on library services, and literacy programs for multicultural populations established during this time period. Questions about past and current missions of the public library are considered, and the work of librarian…