Presents standards for reference services developed by the Suburban Library System (Illinois) and discusses the effects of the standards on youth services. Standards for a written reference plan, reference staff, reference sources, and evaluation are included. (11 references) (MES)

Discusses the determinants of the quality of library services, the difficulties involved in attempting to measure quality, and the need for the profession to explore methods to improve library service quality. (CLB)

Developed by the Audiovisual Committee of the Association of College and Research Libraries, the guidelines presented here reflect technological innovations in audiovisual services. Areas covered include library planning, budgets, personnel, facilities, equipment and supplies, collection development, acquisitions, cataloging, collection…

Describes a process undertaken by small, rural libraries in Massachusetts in which trustees, librarians, and community leaders identified the possible roles of libraries and prioritized needs for individual communities. The results include an emphasis on community standards rather than national, and a list of three basic roles of all libraries.…

The chapters in this volume, originally presented at the Third Annual Virtual Reference Desk (VRD) conference, "Setting Standards and Making It Real," (Orlando, Florida, November 2001), were organized, revised, and updated to reflect current technology and practice. The VRD conference and the ideas in this book represent the cutting edge…

Outlines five areas to which standards of professionalism to enhance the public service of microform collections must apply: microform management policy; the microforms librarians; physical environment and equipment; bibliographic control and access (microform collection guides); and promotion of microform use (bibliographic instruction). Five…

Describes management techniques used by administrators of special libraries to meet library standards while facing drastic reductions in budgets and staff. Ways of managing library acquisitions, stretching staff utilization, and assigning additional responsibilities to special librarians are suggested. (CLB)

Six articles on pros and cons of minimal-level cataloging (MLC) highlight patron access and browsability, time and cost savings, network and bibliographic utility cooperation, standards, alternatives to MLC, levels of records, online catalogs, experimental cataloging program at University of Michigan, and experiences at Kent State University…

Reviews components of school library media standards and outlines funding sources for media programs. School library media specialists are challenged to work with the educational community to strengthen media programs and to establish visible, vital, and viable programs of excellence. Eleven references are noted. (EJS)

Designed to ensure that all Library of Michigan/Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LM/LBPH) network libraries provide uniform, quality service to patrons in their service areas, these standards will serve both as the basis for a formal written agreement between each of the 12 network libraries and LM/LBPH, and as a minimum…

The first article summarizes the findings of four studies which used unobtrusive testing techniques to evaluate library reference services. The validity of this testing method and the conclusions reached are discussed, and suggestions are made for improving reference services in five related articles. (CLB)

Three brief articles examine common beliefs which detract from the issue of national standards for library service; present suggestions for small library management; and describe the small Library Development Center at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. (CDD)

The materials in this manual are intended to provide the introductory information needed by new system advisory council members and staff of the Texas State Library on the history, role, governance, funding, services, and administration of library systems. Included in the handbook are discussions of: (1) the role of systems in public library…

Being "good enough" is no longer adequate for today's library and staff. Total Quality Management (TQM) is a system and philosophy which guides a unified effort towards delivering excellent goods and services. In this video, not available at ERIC, Connie Merritt shows how TQM helps all of a library's departments work together to satisfy…

Developed by the Task Force on Public Library and Library System Standards and Guidelines, these general standards are designed to give local planners a useful tool with which to assess their own unique programs of service and establish direction for future development. A section on planning and the public library considers (1) imperatives for…