Despite the recent turmoil in the U.S. economy, most libraries that were tracked by "Library Journal" won their referenda at a rate just slightly lower than 2007. Nearly three-quarters of operating referenda passed. Building referenda under $10 million passed at a whopping 85%, with those over $10 million batting slightly better than…

This manual is intended as a guide and a resource for staff and volunteers in small public libraries in Alaska. It is for libraries managed by local residents that have not had training in operating and managing a library. Some of the chapters may be useful to other types of libraries, such as a small school library or a church library. The guide…

"Community involvement," the standard cliche, does not come close to capturing the spirit and action that have structured the building, programs, collections, and services of the Haines Borough Public Library (HBPL), AK. Those achievements make HBPL the winner of the first annual award for the Best Small Library in America, cosponsored…

This long-range program is presented by the Alaska State Library to meet the requirements of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) and to show how LSCA funds can contribute to meeting library needs in the state. The program has been reviewed and revised in accordance with the needs of the state for assistance under the LSCA. It reflects…

Intended as a guide and resource for staff and volunteers in small public libraries in Alaska, this manual is divided into the following chapters: (1) "Establishing a Library," which covers the establishment by ordinance or by organization of a non-profit corporation, information on drafting bylaws, and the role and responsibilities of…