Compares the sources of library income and the user characteristics of education, occupation, and income to assess who pays for the library and who uses it. Unequal tax-to-tax ratios throughout the population are discussed. (JVP)

Explains the history of the staffing pressures felt by the Metropolitan Library System in Oklahoma City, and describes steps taken to reallocate personnel, the method of data-gathering and analysis, and the effects of the changes on the system. (JVP)

Discusses the on-line book circulation system at the Sunderland Central Library, in terms of benefits, operation, and problems. (JVP)

Describes the growing awareness of children's needs and the development of children's and young people's library services from 1800 to 1976. (LS)

Sample list of Illinois library services to exceptional children, incorporated in regular programs. (KP)

Discusses the ways in which public libraries are using Web technology and describes a study that assessed public library accessibility via the Web based on a random sample. Highlights include public library structures; hosts of public library Web sites; size and design of Web sites; and size of the population served. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the Bertelsmann Foundation's International Network of Public Libraries which was created to facilitate the exchange of experiences among public library experts, to develop innovative methods of library service, and to promote the implementation of new practices in everyday service. Focuses on libraries in Germany, Scandinavia, and…

Discusses early libraries of Antigua. Highlights include Thomas Bray's libraries in the 1690s; meeting literary needs in the 1700s; private libraries of the time; rise of library organizations in the mid-1800s, including the Antigua Library Society and the Presbyterian Church Library; racial issues; difficult economic times; and transformation of…

Summarizes universe data on public libraries. Includes information about public libraries' administrative structure and legal basis, operating income and expenditures, staff, collections, and services. Data are from the National Education Statistics Center Public Libraries Survey. (SLD)

Describes a study that investigated the level of Internet training currently being offered to the elderly at public libraries and to reveal the specific barriers which prevent or hinder the existence of training programs. Reports results of a questionnaire sent to public libraries in New York State. (LRW)

Explains the process of creating, implementing, and getting results from a usability study of a library Web site while spending little or no money, based on experiences at the Kansas City Public Library. Topics include how to design the test; finding volunteers to participate; and how to use the results. (LRW)

Discussion of the social roles of public libraries focuses on the public use of central libraries in Toronto and Vancouver. Results support the notion that central libraries fulfill ideals of public place, and that private market interests represent a threat to its role as a public place. (Contains 99 references.) (Author/LRW)

Discusses the importance of cost finding for public libraries and the relationship of cost finding to output measures. A cost finding study conducted on the cost of gift books is described; several worksheets from the study are included. Suggestions are offered for beginning a cost-finding project. (three references) (MES)

Discussion of laser videodiscs for library collections covers selection, finding reviews, suppliers, cost, preservation, and security. Sidebars define laserdisc terms and list several recommended titles. (MES)

Presents 39 guidelines in the form of questions and answers to assist librarians in developing young adult programs. Topics covered include types of programs, ways to get adolescents involved, practical considerations, promotional activities, and the evaluation of the success of a program. (seven references) (CLB)