Describes the work of Educational Information Centers (EICs) in public libraries, using several case histories as illustrations. Ways in which EICs change libraries and their roles are discussed, and the support of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation for development of EICs is reviewed. Four references are listed. (MES)

Describes how the Indiana library community defeated a "Speaker's bill" in the Indiana House of Representatives that threatened public library interests. Topics addressed include the introduction of the bill, lobbying, and arguments against the bill. (SLW)

Discusses four competing public images of the public library and its relation to information technology, as identified in recent research: the traditional library, the resisting library, the adapting library, and the co-opted library. Suggests that the public perceives the management of public information as a complex problem requiring a variety…

Provides an overview of issues relating to library services to linguistic, ethnic, and cultural minorities. Following a clarification of the terminology used, the process of immigration is addressed. The role of public libraries in this area and implications for professional associations are then discussed. Twenty-one references are listed. (MES)

Describes procedures used by the St. Paul Public Library (Minnesota) to gather input from patrons to use in developing a new strategic plan. The use of group interviews and a survey to identify which roles of the library were important to users and which services supported each role is explained. (two references) (LRW)

Describes a project in which the library needs of public housing residents were assigned a survey of residents, and in which the survey itself was carried out by residents. The methods used to train residents to conduct interviews are described, the survey results are presented, and the need for resident involvement is discussed. (11 references)…

Summarizes events at an OCLC-sponsored conference at which three major issues were addressed: (1) how public libraries will improve access to services and resources; (2) how public librarians will interact with users and what skills/attitudes they will require; and (3) the impact of interlibrary cooperation in light of changes in society and…

Coauthor of two widely cited manuals on public library planning and evaluation says continued reliance on the works may be detrimental and suggests five additional areas to include in a revised planning manual: future visioning; locally developed service roles; planning for technology; managing evaluation data; and community needs assessment.…

Traces the evolution of the Queens Borough Public Library's New Americans Project and describes its multifaceted approach in assisting immigrants to adjust to their new environment, including: (1) foreign-language collections; (2) English as a second language courses; (3) coping skills training; and (4) cultural programing. Seventeen references…

Describes the results of Flossmoor Public Library's long-range planning initiatives for youth services, which has resulted in improvements in collection development and programing. Evaluation procedures and techniques were recognized as valuable learning tools to increase the effectiveness of services, enhance communication with the board and…

Describes a process undertaken by small, rural libraries in Massachusetts in which trustees, librarians, and community leaders identified the possible roles of libraries and prioritized needs for individual communities. The results include an emphasis on community standards rather than national, and a list of three basic roles of all libraries.…

Examines the following elements of scaffolding, providing insight into the librarian's role as educator: attention, ownership, collaboration, appropriateness, modeling, support, adjustment, and internationalization. A sidebar lists 10 ways to recognize a constructivist children's reference librarian. (AEF)

Briefly reviews the history of public libraries in the United States and discusses the features that make them distinctive from other libraries, including patrons served, objectives, services provided, collections, involvement in public relations and dependence on local financial support. It is argued that public libraries have a bright future,…

Reviews the development of public libraries during the twentieth century and examines the influences of public libraries on twentieth-century presidents. It is noted and discussed that presidents who were well served as youths by public libraries or who provided leadership for public libraries during their administrations came from families of…

Proposes steps to help libraries improve services for a growing older adult population. Suggested actions include talking with gerontological professionals, implementing an agenda to address issues affecting older adult information needs, and promoting greater interagency cooperation among individuals and groups who work with the aging. (JMV)