Preparation for the conference is discussed in some detail, including identification of issues, background research efforts and Task Force work, with particular reference to library community involvement. Significant aspects of the actual conference are presented, along with Task Force recommendations and a brief account of subsequent events. (12…

The first part of this article is a brief review of some problems involved in analyzing social change. The second part discusses two cases that may be useful in library planning. (12 references) (Author/NH)

Functions and form are the basis ofpast and present legislation relating to state libraries. Legislation adds to, or revises, but seldon drops any state library agency functions. The legislative shifting of functions from one government unit to another, and back again, indicates uncertainty as to which is most effective. (Author/NH)

Explores the increasing difficulty that library decision-makers will face in proving the value of libraries to society, and suggests appropriate questions that they will want to ask in their use of community analysis. (Author/PF)

Service to the disadvantaged can be fostered within existing institutions provided total commitment and strong administrative direction are given to: (1) organization and planning, (2) financing, (3) interagency cooperation and community relations, and (4) staffing. (15 references) (Author/NH)

Overview of the search for standards for American college libraries provides a brief background and discusses qualitative versus quantitative standards, the Association of College and Research Libraries' 1975 revision of the 1959 "Standards for College Libraries," and the future of the standards. Twenty-six references are cited. (EJS)

Summarizes some of the considerations that face library planners as they study the role that public libraries can play in meeting needs of immigrants. Eight references are cited. (FM)

Discusses strategic planning in libraries and outlines a cost-finding methodology to help library administrators practice strategic budgeting. Highlights include identifying products and services; types of budgets; types of costs; creating an enhanced operating budget; creating a program budget; and outputs and unit costs. (Contains six…

Examines the concept of service quality in libraries. Highlights include assessment; service quality versus user satisfaction; measuring service quality, including SERVQUAL; planning; experiences at Texas A& M University in cooperation with ARL (Association of Research Libraries) that resulted in LibQUAL+; and conceptual issues. (Contains 54…

Reviews history of public library standards development and needs. Publications dealing with accreditation, measurement of effective library service, alternatives to standards, state and national standards, and a planning process manual are discussed. Twenty-four references are provided. (EJS)

Provides a brief overview of focus groups; discusses the use of undergraduate focus groups on two campuses of the University of California library system; describes methodologies used, including interviews and questionnaires; and describes new directions the libraries were led as a result of student input. (Author/LRW)

Examines what differences libraries and librarians make, primarily from the perspective of geographical communities. States reasons why this is an essential research issue and describes contributions of current public library planning tools to the determination of impact. Examines the framework that is essential for the intellectual development of…

Examines four significant unanswered questions related to children's and young adult services in public libraries. After reviewing the existing knowledge base that can serve as scaffolding for the needed research, the author suggests strategies for refining and implementing this research agenda. (Contains 62 references.) (Author/AEF)

Identifies research topics related to outcomes assessment in a networked environment and discusses issues affecting these topics. Proposes a framework to relate traditional evaluation components and terminology to the networked environment and identifies factors in the networked environment that affect assessment methods. Suggests outcomes…