Discusses challenges to bookmobile and public library service. Topics include needed flexibility of the library organization and employees, redefining existing services in light of emerging competition for funds and customers, direct competitors, and library services aligning with mission. (LRW)

Examines the library's efforts to refashion its bookmobile services. User studies convinced the staff of the Memphis/Shelby County (TN) public library system that its bookmobile fleet should be expanded with smaller, multipurpose vehicles, service child care centers, visit housing authority properties, and provide literacy training. Includes a…

Describes the concept of the Tailgate Library, as developed by a library serving the eastern part of rural Glenn County, California. Lessons learned include: it is possible to provide limited mobile library service without the cost of a bookmobile; personalities of the driver and assistant are critical in building relationships with the people…

Discusses various aspects of public library funding, including strategic planning; understanding the needs of the community; community-based fundraising; local tax support; financial management, including identifying costs for services and maximizing the use of current resources; and identifying funding sources. (LRW)

Describes the historical background, structure, and services of OCLC. Ways in which OCLC can assist small rural libraries in meeting users' needs are discussed, including cataloging, access to a wide range of library resources, access to CD-ROM technology, and provision of a major resource sharing tool through the "Online Union Catalog"…

Discussion of the Nigerian government's efforts to improve agricultural productivity focuses on the role of rural libraries. Highlights include the neglect of libraries, the need for functional education for farmers, the role of library services, libraries as distributors of extension materials, and suggestions for improvements. (LRW)

Describes the role, users, collections and services of the National Agricultural Library. Some of the services discussed include a machine readable bibliographic database, an international interlibrary loan system, programs to develop library networks and cooperative cataloging, and the development and use of information technologies such as laser…