This study examines the role of external funding in the development of public library network resources and services, their identification, and their benefit and impact, particularly as they affect the digital divide. The study was conducted between February 2001 and January 2002, employing a range of data collection techniques, including site…

This paper provides information on library services in Wisconsin, with a special emphasis on public library systems. The first section describes how library services are organized and administered, including municipal and county libraries, library systems, and the state Department of Public Instruction's Division for Libraries and Community…

Explores the question of the cost effectiveness of ownership versus access to low-use serials using data collected during a use study at the State University of New York at Albany and from a national cost study. Discussion includes interlibrary loan, document delivery services, and the impact of cancellations on user's needs. (LRW)

Identifies the main costs in on-site and off-site (remote electronic publications) public library collections and specifies the main challenges in an on-site/off-site collection strategy. Presents a costs identification table, table of direct costs, and costs and user-levels table. Considers cost trends and discusses advantages and disadvantages…

The Lancaster County (Pennsylvania) public library, which receives many school districts' interlibrary loan requests, experienced a 100% increase in periodical article requests. Working cooperatively, school and public librarians developed a LSCA Title II grant to study magazine usage to make cost-effective decisions about improving timely access…

This study discusses the costs and benefits of vertical files and analyzes the results of a survey sent to 171 academic libraries that investigated vertical file practices. Topics include usefulness and user satisfaction; processing problems; access to vertical file material; and future possibilities. (Author/LRW)

Traditionally, libraries have had a role of providing equitable access for those who might not otherwise have access, and this role continues today in implementing access to electronic resources. However, there are special problems in applying this mission to prison libraries. A short history of automation in prison libraries is followed by a…

This report of the task force charged with defining and researching the issues related to access and ownership of materials at the University of Arizona library presents 23 short-and long-term recommendations in the following areas: (1) organization, including the establishment of separate staff units for access services and collection management…

The African American church has a long history of service to its community. The church in African American life has always served as a source of support, learning, information, and improvement for its members and the community it serves. This project directed its resources and energies toward developing meaningful and effective strategies for…

The purpose of this study was to find out to what extent K-12 fiction and nonfiction books about and for hearing impaired children and adolescents are included in the collections of the seven public libraries in Franklin County, Ohio. Two core bibliographies were compiled through content analysis of selective bibliographic sources. Via dial-up…