This 1997 edition focuses on statistical data supplied by Michigan public libraries, public library cooperatives, and those public libraries which serve as regional or subregional outlets for blind and physically handicapped patrons. Statistics on academic libraries are also presented in this edition, and summary statistics for prior fiscal years…

This report summarizes the activities of the South Carolina State Library for 1996-1997. 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 departments with a list of employees and their titles, an…

This final performance report for the Pikes Peak Library District literacy project begins with a section that provides quantitative data. The next section compares actual accomplishments to the project goal and related objectives for 1993: to reduce obstacles to success of students enrolled in the Right To Read program through student…

A study was conducted to determine what factors account for the wide Canada-Sweden literacy gap, and what lessons can be learned from such a comparison that may help reduce the incidence of low literacy skills in Canada. The study found that the incidence of low literacy skills (failing to exceed level 2 in all three literacy domains--prose,…

This book covers the role, purpose, and philosophy related to each of the major functional areas of library public service. This sixth edition, on the presumption that most people know the basic facts about computer hardware, does not include the chapter (in the previous edition) on computer basics, and instead integrated specific technological…

The digital divide remains a formidable issue in rural areas where the only broadband access to the Internet may be at public schools or city governments. As the only locations in rural areas with adequate technological resources, schools, libraries, health facilities, and agricultural extension facilities can be places where citizens learn about…

Enacted as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the E-rate provides discounts to public and private schools, libraries, and consortia on telecommunications services, Internet access, and internal networking. Discounts vary based on the poverty level of the community. The first section of this report presents findings from surveys returned…

This publication reports on research conducted to follow up on a 1997 survey of public libraries and the Internet, co-sponsored by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science and the American Library Association. The 1998 survey is based on a sample of 2,500 of the nation's 15,718 public library outlets. The survey found that…

With creative ideas contributed from Wisconsin youth services librarians, this manual is a practical guide for planning and implementing the state's 1999 summer library program. Dealing with the theme, "Go Global: Read!," this manual contains a broad spectrum of ideas--from solid information about varied cultures to playful fantasy tales…

This 25-article issue presents overview of reference services for childern and young adults, including public and school libraries, information needs, reference interviews, children's librarians, library instruction, library cooperation, production of information resources, material selection, and vertical files. References are included. (Haworth…

Includes 21 articles that discuss collection development in Canadian school libraries. Topics include digital collections in school library media centers; print and electronic library resources; library collections; collaborative projects; print-disabled students; informing administrators of the importance of collection development; censorship;…

Provides an overview of the current state of libraries and information services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Topics include academic, national, public, special, and school libraries; factors dictating the need for information services, including socioeconomic changes; problems; and the need for library education for staffing. (LRW)

Discusses the impact of societal and technological changes on various types of libraries, and considers the implications of these changes for the education and training of information professionals. Problems facing libraries are described, and preservice and inservice educational needs are addressed. (25 references) (LRW)

Describes the effects of economic factors on information services in Mexico. Topics discussed include librarians' salaries; inadequate library budgets; acquisitions in academic libraries; the development of public libraries; library networks; national databases; microcomputers and library automation; library research; effects of devaluation; and…

Provides an overview of the library infrastructure of Bangladesh; the current state of special, academic, public, and school library collections; and an overview of librarianship and library education. Topics include the national library and archives, the unequal distribution of limited library resources, and support from developed countries.…