Discusses the concept of a paperless society and the current situation in library automation. Various applications of automation and telecommunications are addressed, and future library automation is considered. Automation at the Monroe County Public Library in Bloomington, Indiana, is described as an example. (MES)

Reviews the use and validity of numerical measures of library service (index numbers) and describes a study of public library systems from 1970-80 in Wisconsin. This study used an index number based on circulation per capita, expenditures per capita, turnover rate, full-time employee rate, and population, and tested this measure against various…

Presents results of a study of book deterioration and loss based on a random sample of monographs from Ohio libraries published between 1851-1939, and discusses national preservation efforts such as microfilming. Tables show the sample's (1,935 volumes) physical condition, and the sample's (872 titles) physical condition and availability. (JMV)

Describes a library staff inservice day developed at the Oak Lawn (Illinois) Public Library to meet the needs of a staff with diverse ages, interests, and duties. Recommends offering a variety of sessions that staff may choose from, provides examples, and includes a summary of evaluation results. (LRW)

Provides guidelines and information, based on the experiences of Pierce County Library (Washington), for planning a sponsored author event to raise funds for a public library. (JKP)

Report on the 1992 Canadian Library Association (CLA) conference discusses plans for a national summit on information policy, the current situation of public libraries, updating of policy statements, and strengthening CLA. CLA officers and awards are listed. (MES)

Discusses different types of security systems for libraries and explains the differences between electromagnetic, radio-frequency, and microwave technologies. A list of questions to assist in system evaluation is provided; and preventive measures used to curtail theft and protocol for handling situations that trigger security alarms are included.…

Reports results of a survey of public libraries on fundraising. Data are presented on sources of funding, the importance of fundraising, fundraising contacts, types of fundraising activities, purposes for funds raised, other benefits, staffing, and the relationship between fundraising and size of budget. Some data are analyzed by geographical…

Presents data on 1989 salaries of public library directors in cities for 10 population groups (from those serving populations of over 1,000,000 to under 2,500). Taken from the "Municipal Year Book 1990," the data are classified by geographic region, city type, and form of government. (MES)

Describes the results of a study that investigated career decision making by adolescents. Discusses theoretical frameworks for this study, describes information sources used by questionnaire respondents, and suggests ways in which the public library's role could be expanded. (Author/LRW)

Presents two approaches to measuring the inflation faced by public libraries: (1) an approach based on a fixed market basket of the prices of library inputs; and (2) an approach based on an econometric model of library services and costs that yields a costs of services index. Discusses uses of both models. (SLD)

Explains the need to establish a national system of standards for public libraries. Discusses local standards, state standards, and international standards, and suggests adopting a tiered approach including three levels: minimum standards; target standards; and benchmarking standards, as found in total quality management. (LRW)

Describes a book of poetry written by teenagers that was published from materials written in poetry workshops or submitted to the Web site of the New York Public Library. Discusses the structure of the workshops, and the multicultural background of many of the teens. (LRW)

Evaluated the home pages of Hennen's 100 greatest public libraries for accessibility by people with disabilities. Explains library selection, which was based on HAPLR (Hennen's American Public Library Rating) Index Scores; and discusses accessible Web design and the Americans with Disabilities Act, universal design, and measuring accessibility.…

Three British public libraries offer open learning services that have expanded their outlook on outreach. There remains a need for links with other education and training providers, a coordinated publicity campaign, and work with community groups. (SK)