Addresses key issues that must be considered as a library begins to create a Friends group, from the group's basic purpose to infrastructure issues such as staffing, programs, and other operating costs. Concludes that functions other than fund-raising should be included. (Author/LRW)

Outline of the development of state libraries focuses on funding, the establishment of standards by the American Association of State Libraries in 1963 with revision in 1970, and strengths and weaknesses of the present standards; suggestions for revisions of the 1970 standards are included. Twelve references are noted. (EJS)

Identifies leading issues in academic reference service based on survey of literature with emphasis on 1970s and 1980s--bibliographic instruction, computer-based reference and biliographic services, personnel-related topics (specialists, generalists, professional development, nonprofessionals in reference service), measurement and evaluation, and…

Outline of the operation and services of the Data Library in the University of Florida Libraries includes a brief history, administration of the library system, development of collection of machine-readable data files, data users, technical services, reference services, funding, and staff recruitment, training, and development. Four references are…

Discusses the need for providing adequate bibliographic instruction in academic libraries to deaf and hearing-impaired students. Highlights include a legislative background; library staff training; instruction for groups, individuals, and faculty; written library materials; and equipment. A student guide to the NTID (National Technical Institute…

Describes changes in services of the United Technologies Corporation Information Network from a traditional library system to a virtual system of World Wide Web sites, a document-delivery unit, telephone and e-mail reference, and desktop technical support to provide remote access. Staff time, security, and licensing issues are addressed.…

Current trends in public library reference service include use of online systems; budget constraints in public sector; increased service; use, training, and supervision of paraprofessionals; centralized organization of reference service; participation in management of reference services; and more realistic attempts at measurement and evaluation of…

Describes integration of media center, library, computer systems, and common distribution systems for nonprint resources at California State University-Chico. Highlights include administration; functions (acquisition, selection and collection development, production activities, circulation, reserve); formats (film, video, filmstrip, slides,…

Eleven articles discuss the response of library users and personnel to automation. Topics covered include computerized reference services, online public access catalogs, paraprofessional staff perceptions of technology, organizational and managerial impacts of automation, workshops on new technology, gender differences in motivation to manage and…

Reports results of survey of 363 academic libraries designed to study: (1) media collections (audio formats, visual formats, audiovisual formats) and how they are arranged, accessed, and circulated; (2) staffing configurations; (3) space and funding allocations; and (4) other services offered within the media center. Questionnaire is appended. (8…

Discusses the development of a new culture of research librarianship that is customer-focused, based on experiences at the University of Arizona library. Highlights include cooperative partnerships with users; LibQUAL+ as a tool to learn how users perceive library services in relation to their expectations; and staff participation in strategic…

Examines issues affecting the future of rural libraries, including change in rural populations; shifts in rural library users; factors affecting their ability to deliver service, including funding and staffing; technological developments; private sector competition; changing user expectations; and leadership needs. (LRW)

Discusses issues of quality in public libraries in light of changes in services resulting from social and economic changes. Highlights include quality strategies, the customer service revolution, anticipating new markets, defining library values and missions, information technology, training staff for the future, funding, partnerships, and…

Reports the findings of a survey of school library media centers in eight large urban areas with large enrollments of Hispanic children that was conducted to determine the availability of Spanish language literature. Highlights include media specialists and support staff; holdings; budget; book selection process; and library events and activities.…

This theme issue presents nine articles that describe the availability of various types of computer software for use by patrons in academic, public, school, and special libraries. Topics discussed include selection and evaluation, cataloging and classification, physical access including circulation, copyright and other legal considerations,…