To assist the Governor's Task Force to study library services in Maine, Arthur D. Little, Inc. was retained to identify the attitudes of the general public toward libraries and how these attitudes affect library use. A series of four panel discussions was conducted; a survey of the general public was made; data was orally presented; and a workshop…

Letters were sent to all state departments of education or public instruction soliciting information and comments concerning the sharing of a portion of the public library building with other agencies such as public school administrations. Twenty-two replies were received from nineteen states. Over 50% of the respondents were in favor of the…

Since the legislation making federal funds available for the construction of new buildings and the remodeling of older buildings stands as a turning point in the development of the American public library, the present study has been designed to investigate the effect of the federal funds both in terms of the stated purpose and the intent of the…

The Biennial Reports contain sections on: (1) Nebraska Public Library Commission; (2) Physical Facilities; (3) Personnel; (4) Book and Non-Book Materials; (5) Services and Use; (6) Financial Support; (7) Union Catalog Statistics; (8) Appropriations and Expenditures; (9) Planning and Research; (10) A Survey of the Physically Handicapped of Nebraska…

This report provides both short-term and long-term guidelines, which will be meaningful not only to the public library but also to all who are concerned with future public services of excellence for Hartford. The planning of better extension services for more people at all levels of public support is explored. (MF)

The Michigan Library Trustees Manual covers the following topics: (1) characteristics of a good public library, (2) characteristics of good library trustees and boards, (3) responsibilities and duties of trustees in relation to those of the library, (4) planning and policymaking, (5) board meetings, (6) sample by-laws, (7) budget and finance, (8)…

The Task Force on Library Service to Children appointed in 1971 prepared these guidelines. The history and background that led to this appointment is given in the guidelines. The pilot program was to involve a number of centers which would demonstrate a variety of service patterns so that strengths and weaknesses of both the school and public…

The complete directions for constructing a Penny Theater for public library use are provided. It includes: the dimensions and materials needed, curtains and drops required for scenery, and necessary lights. The entire construction procedure is clearly illustrated. (NH)

In order to structure an effective campaign aimed at increasing the usage of the public libraries in Essex County, New Jersey, this research project was undertaken to determine the consumer attitudes toward various aspects of public library services. These aspects include: extent of public library usage; awareness of library services offered,…

A study of the effects on public library circulation of putting a group of selected adult titles in a prime physical location is reported. It is hypothesized that public library circulation of these titles will be significantly greater when they are collected and placed in a prime location than when they are scattered on the shelves of even an…

Contained in this report is a detailed summary of legal and voluntary certification plans for public librarians in each of the 50 states. Descriptions of the certification plans for public librarians are based on information supplied by state agencies in September 1971. Each plan is identified by the descriptive terms--mandatory, permissive or…

This study is a survey of the town of Springfield, Vermont and an evaluation of its library resources and services developed as Phase II of the Institute on Developing Dynamic Public Library Services Responsive to Community Needs. Long range plans were developed to meet discovered community needs and techniques learned from participation in the…

Reports on a visit to Poland in June 1975. (PF)

Describes three aspects of the South Carolina State Library efforts to serve the poor. (PF)

Deals with the historical role of public libraries in the United States especially relating to the poor; the commitment on the part of libraries to serve the underserved growing out of the turmoil of the Sixties and the War on Poverty, and the effect of changing inner-city populations on the future role of libraries. (Author)