Signage represents more than directions or policies; it is informational, promotional, and sets the tone of the environment. To be effective, signage must be consistent, concise, and free of jargon and punitive language. An efficient assessment of signage should include a complete inventory of existing signage, including an analysis of the types…

Discussion of fines charged by libraries for overdue books focuses on the experiences of the Somerville Free Public Library (New Jersey) in implementing a no-fine policy. Goals of the new policy that are evaluated include increased circulation, increased return of late materials, and an improved library image. (seven references) (LRW)

The topic of this Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Frequent Fast Facts Survey is library staffing. These ULC Frequent Fast Facts Surveys are not intended to be scientific studies of the library community but rather "snapshots" on topics of current interest. Further analysis of the results is suggested, and for that reason, the completed…

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit reports results of a survey of ARL (Association of Research Libraries) that examined post-tenure review of librarians throughout higher education in North America. The purpose of the survey was to identify which institutions apply post-tenure or post-continuing appointment review to library…

Presents guidelines and a self-assessment questionnaire that were developed by the New York Library Association for libraries serving users with hearing impairments. Areas covered by the documents include policy statements, materials, services, programing, cooperation with other agencies, facilities, and staff development. (LRW)

The "Texaco" copyright litigation resulted in new rules governing photocopying of journal articles in special libraries affiliated with for-profit enterprises. The federal court decisions in "Texaco" begin with the premise that research in those libraries serves a profit-seeking motive, and consequently the courts have…

Two surveys were conducted: (1) one of 78 ERIC document users at Ohio State University to gather data on how they find and use the ERIC documents and their attitudes toward the library's lending policy; and (2) one of 218 academic libraries with ERIC microfiche collections to obtain information on their patrons' access to and use of ERIC…

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit and Flyer reports results of two surveys conducted in 1996 and 1998 that examined ARL (Association of Research Libraries) member libraries' World Wide Web history, development, use, and activities. Fifty-six out of the then 119 ARL member institutions responded to the 1996 survey, and 68 out…

This survey documents activities of Urban Libraries Council member libraries in the areas of fund raising and financial development, and gathers examples of library bylaws, policies on the use of private and general funds money, and policies on gifts. Questionnaires were sent to 89 member libraries in September 1993, and 63 were returned. Findings…

Over the past two decades, an increasing number of American children are left in self-care after school each day. Parents of these latchkey children often turn to the library as a safe place for their children to go. The purpose of this study was to determine whether public libraries have responded since 1990 to the call put forward by concerned…

This survey was conducted to delineate the growing relationship between marketing and public relations and library funding by identifying: (1) the extent to which North American research libraries have developed organized programs in the areas of marketing and public relations; (2) who holds positions in these areas; and (3) the impact these…

Discusses and compares results of a survey of teacher's perceptions of school libraries in Tokyo, Japan and in Honolulu, Hawaii that showed differences in policies, availability of trained school library personnel, and in the nature of school library development. Copies of the questionnaires used are appended. (Author/LRW)

In order to identify other libraries' policies regarding public access to personal computers, the Hudson Library and Historical Society sent a survey to the reference and/or informational services librarians in the 18 public libraries of the Cleveland (Ohio) Public Library Consortium. The purpose of the 32-item questionnaire was to determine if…

Model for evaluation of library reference services examines four elements of reference process: librarians' performance on requests for factual information; knowledge of library policies, procedures, or services; provision of bibliographical instruction; and performance of interviewing techniques. Reference service questionnaire, criteria for…

The purpose of this study was to determine if a gap exists between the perceived expectation that Georgia elementary media specialists support intellectual freedom and their practice of materials selection. Randomly chosen media specialists were sent a questionnaire, results of which were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The majority of the…