Reviews the recent American Library Association publication, "Planning and Role Setting for Public Libraries: A Manual of Options and Procedures," noting omissions in its approach. Several reasons for including the larger library community in the planning process are discussed. (MES)

Explains the purpose of audits for libraries and describes three types of auditors--internal, government, and external--and five types of audits--financial, compliance, operational, performance, and special review. Guidelines for preparing for an audit and dealing with a surprise audit are provided. (EM)

This article on the training and information needs of library board members discusses ideas for becoming an effective library trustee. Topics covered include getting started, setting policy, managing money, hiring the librarian, working with the librarian, carrying out public relations, and organizational planning. Six sources are given. (EJS)

Discussion of format changes in libraries focuses on managing change and phasing out older formats. Standardization is addressed, and five considerations regarding format shifts are examined: aesthetics, audience, compatibility, costs, and copyright. (MES)

Discusses elements of planning that are needed for effective school library media programs. Elements of strategic and operational planning are described; contributors to the planning process are suggested; needs assessment is discussed; planning outputs and inputs are explained; budget considerations are mentioned; and the need for evaluation is…

Describes Ohio's Library Leadership 2000 (LL2000) institute, an intensive leadership training program for Ohio librarians designed to provide effective leadership skills necessary for use in a rapidly changing environment. A sidebar lists the LL2000 mentors. (JLB)

Discusses alternatives for dealing with insider theft of rare library materials, including publicizing losses and prosecuting. An example of insider theft is detailed. Ideas for preventing theft, including hiring practices and restricting access to materials, are considered. Suggestions for thinking through procedures to deal with the…

Summarizes the 1992 Special Libraries Association (SLA) Annual Conference. Topics discussed include emphasizing internationalism; competing in a global economy; the competitive importance of information; downsizing because of financial constraints; Internet and NREN (National Research and Education Network); recruitment; ethics; standards; and the…

This staffing survey of 34 Geac minicomputer-based circulation system installations (public, academic, state, and special libraries, library consortia) was designed to identify the variables which affect staffing needs. Discussion covers differences in responses, types of staff positions, core and ancillary job duties, application training,…

Discussion of joint-use, or cooperative, libraries focuses on a partnership between public and school libraries in Nevada. Highlights include benefits in enhanced services, user needs, location of facilities, administration and planning, financial issues, facility maintenance, remodelling, and signage. (LRW)

Discussion of cultural diversity in a rapidly changing population focuses on efforts at the San Jose Public Library to respond to cultural and demographic changes. Obstacles to responding are reviewed as well as positive responses, which include creation of policy statements, developing goals and objectives, administrative reorganization, and…