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)

Describes a model which uses patron arrival rate, length of time on the terminal, and library service policies to determine the minimum number of terminals needed. The model is then used to compare the effects of various service policies on the minimum number of terminals. (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…

This document is a compilation of state laws relating to Michigan libraries, intended as a tool for library managers and as an expression of continued commitment to strengthening library services throughout the state. It reprints legislation directly related to libraries of all levels, including: library networks; regional libraries: district…

Presents a model that calculates the conditions under which a library may adopt a highly service-oriented online catalog access policy at minimum additional cost. The use of arrival rates, service rates, and queueing calculations to arrive at a cost-effective policy is explained. (Author/CLB)

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…

Discusses the need for standards in education libraries and provides lists of criteria for standards in services, collection, personnel, facilities, budget, and administration and governance to be used as a starting point. A 12-item bibliography is included. (CHC)

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…

In response to wide concern regarding the present state of school libraries in Alberta, Canada, and a strong perception that the quality of school library programs was deteriorating, the Department of Education devised a provincial statement of policy, guidelines, procedures, and standards designed to guide the development and implementation of…