Public libraries play an important part in the development of a community. Today, they are seen as more than store houses of books; they are also responsible for the dissemination of online, and offline information. Public access computers are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people understand the need for internet access. Using a…

A significant number of distance students report they "stray" from their home universities by using local libraries, despite the fact that distance education librarians work hard to provide customized resources and services tailored to their programs and needs. Are public libraries and special libraries able to meet the research needs of…

This article features Chelsea District Library (CDL), Michigan, which claims recognition as the 2008 Best Small Library in America, an award sponsored by "Library Journal" and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The aggressively responsive staff of CDL has created a model for small libraries all over America. There, careful…

In the past decade, economic development experts have moved away from traditional approaches to economic development that have relied upon recruiting or attracting large businesses with offers of tax breaks, financial incentives, and other subsidies. Increasingly, communities are focusing their economic development resources on supporting the…

In an experimental selective dissemination program, public library patrons were supplied with printed booklists based on individual subject preferences.

Every place has it--coffee shops, bookstores, universities ... and now libraries are offering wireless Internet access too. At the Waterford Township Public Library (Waterford, Michigan), Andrew Mutch created a wide-open wireless network using Public IP open source software. About 20 miles away, at the Novi Public Library (Novi, Michigan), Karen…

A collection of papers which were presented at two series of seminars sponsored by the Michigan Library Association are concerned with the role of public libraries in providing services and developing collections dealing with the contemporary arts. The papers included are: (1) Public Library Programs and the Arts, a discussion of the public…

Chapter I is a descriptive statement of the current financial status and operations of Michigan libraries with an analysis of the implications various modes of financing have on levels and types of services. Chapter II summarizes findings from both the survey conducted by personal interviews with 45 of Michigan's public librarians, randomly…

The objectives of the study were to determine the extent and nature of unmet needs of users of reference and research library resources and to propose measures to meet those needs. Data on research library use were collected by 3 questionnaires sent to 4 groups of users: 1) all faculty members of 4-year public and private institutions of higher…

The purpose of this study was to determine what services and materials are presently being offered to school teachers by public libraries. Sixty sample libraries chosen randomly from all libraries serving 100,000 or more people in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois were sent a questionnaire surveying services and materials they…

The Detroit Metropolitan Region, including six countries in southeastern Michigan, is the focus for the Detroit Metropolitan Library Research and Demonstration Project. This document provides background data on the region for the Project. Data included are (1) population, (2) educational facilities, (3) numbers of elementary and secondary pupils…

Over the last five years Michigan has worked on a comprehensive library services plan. A review of the goals, organization, and financing of local public libraries, existing system libraries, and college and university libraries suggested a number of changes to be mandated through two pieces of proposed legislation. One proposed bill encouraged…

DATA PRESENTED IN THIS REPORT WERE BASED PRIMARILY ON QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES OBTAINED THROUGH A NATIONAL CENSUS OF SPECIAL LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTERS. THE SURVEY WAS MADE DURING THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 1961 TO FEBRUARY 1963. ALTHOUGH THERE WERE MORE THAN 10,000 ENTRIES IN THE PUBLISHED DIRECTORY, EXCLUSION OF CANADIAN LIBRARIES AND DELETION…

This study provides data on the relative effectiveness of library service to the blind and physically handicapped in two adjoining metropolitan counties in Michigan. Oakland County is served by a subregional program located in a local public library while Macomb County is served by the more remote Michigan Regional Library for the Blind and…

This handbook is designed to provide a comprehensive reference source about adult illiteracy for Michigan public librarians, whether or not they currently work with local literacy councils. Introductory material provides listings of members of the Michigan State Legislative Council and Library of Michigan Board of Trustees, and a listing of the…