The Alliance Library System (ALS) is one of 12 regional library systems in Illinois, providing a full spectrum of support services for 300 member libraries of all types (public, school, academic, and special) located in west central Illinois. This paper describes the process by which ALS implemented a voice/video/data network connecting their four…

This report addresses the status of library development in Wisconsin, the needs and problems of libraries, and possible ways of meeting these needs over the next 5 years. These long-range plans developed by the staff of the Division for Library Services (DLS) reflect reports submitted to the DLS, surveys, consultations with librarians and…

This report documents the progress made by the South Carolina State Library in providing volunteer programs and services for illiterate adults, promoting the cooperative development and planning of literacy services throughout the state, and assisting local literacy programs with tutor training, program development, management, and recordkeeping…

Revised annually by the Tennessee Advisory Council on Libraries, this report identifies goals and assigns priorities for the implementation of library services. It emphasizes the services of public libraries and services to the disadvantaged but also encompasses the needs of academic, school, institutional, and special libraries in order to form a…

The Library Policy Committee appointed by the Finland Ministry of Education in 1999 worked for 2 years to identify the challenges arising in the civil information society and the concrete solutions to them. This document is a summary of the salient points of the Committee's report. First, the vision for the Finnish public library is outlined,…

This document presents the five-year strategic plan developed by the library director, staff, and the Library Committee for the Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library, Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The goal of this plan is to provide a framework that the library can use to focus energy and resources in fulfilling the mission of the library…

This informative how-to guide explains public relations strategies and the audiences they target, with tips for customizing these tactics for particular libraries. Helpful techniques are recommended for promoting the use of library media services by students, faculty, building administrators, and school support staff. Readers will also learn how…

The "Statewide Masterplan for Nevada Libraries" provides direction and serves as a blueprint for development of library services throughout the state. The plan is based on input from people who attended meetings throughout Nevada, and also reflects the best thinking of public, school, academic, and special librarians. Following the…

This paper presents the story of an effort in Thailand to reach out to children in high-risk situations by providing them with a library on old train carriages. The Library Train Project was initiated in 1999 by the Railway Police Division within the Royal Police Office. It is aimed at offering education services to homeless children as a way of…

The main function of the library of the future is to provide access to electronic sources stored elsewhere. In order to comply with the users' needs, therefore, flexible license scenarios are necessary. Another future function of the library will be to set up and maintain a personal alerting system and to assist users in organizing their own…

Following a background on the development of Library Industry Competency Standards within Australia and the impact of these standards, this paper focuses on issues raised, opportunities for integration, and future challenges. Concludes that through staff participation and simplicity of implementation the standards have the potential to add to…

Discusses the St. Philip's College (SPC) Learning Resource Center laptop loaning program. States that SPC is a Historically Black College and Hispanic Serving Institution that is now rewarding honors students by lending them laptops for a semester at a time. Discusses the development of the loaning program. Provides a list of Web sites for anyone…

Describes how the University of Rhode Island conducted its search for a newly configured position of Vice Provost for Information and Dean of University Libraries. Discusses the search committee members, the two professional "cultures" representing libraries and academic computing, degree requirements, job responsibilities and…

Reviews developments related to standards in electronic and networked information. Discusses traditional library and Internet communities, and notes the importance of having a supporting infrastructure in place. Topics include: Z39.50; Z39.56 Serial Item/Contribution Identifier (SICI); Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Protocol; character set standards;…

Presents a 50-year history of school library development and national educational programs in Fiji and discusses the future of Fiji's elementary and secondary school libraries. Examines obstacles to school library development including government ignorance, lack of trained librarians, changes in school curriculum, lack of financing, and high costs…