Discusses the advantages of evaluation of library services and provides examples of decisions that might be aided through evaluation. The three attributes of library service of most concern to the evaluator--costs, effectiveness, and benefits--are considered. Describes general principles of cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit studies in the…

Discusses areas needing revision in the manual "Output Measures for Public Libraries," i.e., measurement objectives, research skills of output measures users, management versus research contexts, relating inputs to outputs, problems in data collection, user versus library performance, sample sizes, interpretation of output measure…

Provides background on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and presents guidelines for library compliance, including read the legislation; designate an employee as ADA coordinator; evaluate current policies, services, and facilities; implement changes; provide training for library staff and related groups; and solicit feedback from disabled…

Describes characteristics of core competencies. Examines the competencies a librarian should possess. Discusses types of competence and reviews advantages of developing and improving core competencies. Looks at core competencies in terms of the major service areas of public libraries. Presents several steps for building core competencies.…

Explains the criteria by which 50 public libraries were chosen as outstanding, and reports the results of a survey of the directors which focused on major problems in libraries; desired goals in administration and technical and public services; predicted trends; stage of computerization; and sources of information and new ideas. (CLB)

Presents revision of the original "Guidelines for Establishing Information and Referral Service in Public Libraries," adopted by the Public Library Association Board of Directors on January 22, 1980. The revision approved on January 8, 1985, reflects changes in terminology and in the information and referral field during past five years. (EJS)

Discussion of the need for strategic planning in public libraries highlights a case study of a small resort town library, the Crawford Memorial Library, in Monticello, New York. Deciding on specific library roles and planning their implementation are described, and the importance of environment and competition in strategic planning is explained.…

This study examined patron survey results and nonlibrary consumer activity in a small community to define convenient public library hours. No correlation between library and commercial enterprise activity was found, although some recommendations on library service were suggested by the data. The questionnaire is appended. (23 references) (MES)

Presents transcript of interviews with three administrators of small rural libraries. Highlights include state and national encouragement of marketing efforts; funding for in-service education for rural public librarians; changing roles of rural public libraries; library standards; and advice for newly appointed directors. (LRW)

Describes a survey of library development officers in state library agencies that was conducted to investigate the types of governance structures of public libraries. Highlights include consolidation of public library services, public library boards, trends in public library governance, financial support and managerial effectiveness, and…

Includes three articles that consider the effects of the Internet on public library reference services. Highlights include the reliability of Internet information sources, its timeliness as a tool for information access and dissemination, the Internet as change agent for libraries; reference publishing, helping the searcher refine requests, and an…

Presents the perspectives of four public library administrators on sharing facilities with local schools, including benefits and problems. Topics include physical accommodations; intellectual freedom issues; security issues; management issues; costs and budgetary considerations; staffing; collection development policies; and the need for a…