Discusses methods of evaluation that can be used to measure public library effectiveness, based on a conference sponsored by the Council on Library Resources. Topics discussed include the Public Library Effectiveness Study (PLES), quantitative and qualitative evaluation, using evaluative information for resource acquisition and resource…

Describes a cooperative effort among five Bronx libraries, known as the Bronx Library Emergency Consortium, which is designed to enhance emergency recovery procedures in their libraries should a disaster occur. The history and collaborative nature of the consortium are described, and the consortium equipment and supply list for immediate disaster…

Discusses problems faced by innercity libraries and describes programs at a Cleveland Public Library branch that help make the library an integral part of the community. Topics addressed include a new immigrant population; developing a Spanish language collection; attracting children and adolescents; discipline and safety; and working with the…

Study of New Zealand public library effectiveness duplicates research by Childers and Van House which examined the multiple constituencies model of organizational effectiveness. Librarians, users, and councillors rated performance indicators identified from the literature, and similarities and differences between the two studies are reported. A…

Various techniques for providing reader's advisory services in public libraries are discussed, including managing the reader's advisory interview, writing annotations for booklists, preparing topical and effective displays, genre cataloging, holding book talks and reviews, using library space effectively, and utilizing e-mail discussion groups to…

Discussion of public libraries' information and referral services for culturally diverse communities focuses on a study conducted in southern California that examined the information seeking behavior of ethnolinguistic gatekeepers in minority communities. Topics addressed include information and referral models; information sources; the perception…

Describes how Illinois libraries are promoting awareness and ease of access to government documents and services. Electronic products, select bibliographies, sources of foreign country information for businesses, dealing with electronically published information, and classification of Illinois documents are among the topics covered in this…

Public library programing for babies under 18 months and parents/caregivers is discussed. The results of a national study investigating programs for babies, reasons why they are not offered, librarian attitudes, and funding support are presented. Recommendations for practitioners and researchers are offered, and the questionnaire is appended. (41…

Presents transcript of interviews with three administrators of small rural libraries. Highlights include state and national encouragement of marketing efforts; funding for in-service education for rural public librarians; changing roles of rural public libraries; library standards; and advice for newly appointed directors. (LRW)

Describes a study that was conducted in Provo, Utah, to identify motivators as factors in adult use of libraries. Four major areas were used to examine motivation: home and family life, vocational growth, religion, and politics. Six user characteristics were also studied, and implications for public libraries are suggested. (nine references) (LRW)

Reports on a project that investigated, by means of interviews, the information needs, information-gathering strategies, and information use of 10 urban and 9 rural community groups in Australia. Highlights include accuracy and reliability as criteria by all groups, rural groups' perceptions of being disadvantaged, and the importance of public…

Discusses the growth of electronic commerce as well as electronic education and suggests ways that schools and public libraries can help overcome inequity of access. Highlights include access to the Internet and computers; educational levels; Blacks; race and ethnic origin; rural access; use of the Internet; and income. (LRW)

As librarians provide access to informational resources, recreational excursions, cultural explorations, and educational support, they build assets which are critical for young people's successful growth. Identifies eight main categories of developmental assets--support; empowerment; boundaries and expectations; constructive use of time;…

Presents Bobby Roberts, director of the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), and describes some of the changes he has made since 1989: raising public library tax rates, doubling the book budget, library automation, new and renovated buildings, adult public programming, library cooperation, and fund raising. Discusses politics and the…

A Library Journal survey of 2000 public libraries investigated adult book expenditures and circulation. This article presents statistics on purchasing power and circulation, sources used for purchasing decisions, where books are purchased, top circulating genres, topics of increased patron and librarian interest, topics being weeded and replaced,…