This discussion of the role of the public library youth services manager emphasizes the importance of personnel management skills, and notes the need for attention to personnel management in library education. (10 references) (MES)

This examination of the nature of communication between public library youth services managers and upper management stresses the need for middle managers to develop upward communication skills. Parallels are drawn with such games as "Risk,""Clue," and "Cat's Cradle," and 13 references are listed. (MES)

If the youth services department is to receive its fair share of staff, equipment, respect, and funding, the youth services librarian must learn to express needs to the library director in terms of statistics, goals and objectives, and budget. (MES)

Describes some of the children's services and creative means for stretching the budget to provide these services at the Peoria (Illinois) Public Library. Topics include (1) use of volunteers; (2) acquisition of materials through donations; (3) guest speakers; and (4) solicitation of prizes and reading incentives from businesses and agencies. (MES)

Describes the responsibilities and recommended qualifications of a youth services department head. The importance of attention to statistics and library policy is emphasized. (MES)

Addresses investigations of library employees' complaints of sexual harassment which could be modified for use with a patron complaint. The employer's interests in conducting an adequate and swift investigation are discussed, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality is stressed. (LRW)

Considers how the implementation of self-checkout systems may affect library management in general and circulation departments in particular, focusing on the impact on circulation departments' workflow and the financial implications involved in implementing it. Suggests an opportunity for libraries to undergo a paradigm shift concerning the…

Provides an example of procedures to be followed when investigating a sexual harassment complaint in libraries. Highlights include preparation, including reviewing personnel files; interviewing the complainant, including sample questions; interviewing the alleged harasser; gathering information from other sources, including third-party witnesses;…

Illinois libraries and library districts should be aware of the employment "at-will" doctrine in their hiring, firing, and employment policy decisions. Because changes in the law require greater scrutiny of employment manuals and policies, recommendations are made for reducing administrative burdens, record keeping, reviewing employment…

Describes results of a research project conducted in Illinois to obtain detailed information about preferences of public library customers and about how much value they place on various types of library services. Discusses rural perceptions of public library contributions, willingness to pay more for service, and implications for library…

Describes an effort by the Illinois Library Association to encourage and coordinate the continuing professional development of Illinois librarians through a Mentoring Network. The pilot project proposal is outlined, and the current situation is described. (eight references/notes) (EA)

Discusses hiring students with disabilities in the academic library, focusing on experiences of the library at Northern Illinois University. Discussion includes identifying a position; recruiting; interviewing; collegial support; adaptations and training; and evaluation. (AEF)

Presents a study on Illinois library directors' knowledge of the American Library Association's (ALA) Code of Ethics; 180 questionnaires (out of 252) were returned. Results suggest that a segment of the library profession is aware of the ALA Code of Ethics and is strongly supportive of the statements therein. (Author/AEF)

Discussion of the ability of library staff to completely and correctly answer reference questions focuses on a training program developed by Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) to increase the accuracy of reference staff performance. Technical feedback skills and peer coaching are discussed, and the need for administrative support is…

Discusses some of the main considerations that relate specifically to the head librarian of a public library as an individual in the role of administrator. These considerations include personal attributes of the head librarian, the internal administration of the library, and external relations with the trustees, local government, and general…