This examination of collection development and bibliographic control in the small public library (small staff and modest resources) is concerned with three categories of library materials that can be identified as serials: (1) magazines; (2) reference books; (3) books in series that can circulate separately. (10 references) (EJS)

The Sydney Public Library began as the Australian Subscription Library and Reading Room which opened in Sydney on December 1, 1827, with 1,000 volumes. The Municipal Council of Sydney took possession of the library in 1909. The library evolved from a closed access, fixed shelf position library to an open access system in 1910. A complete…

Orr's schema for measuring the quality and value of libraries is described and discussed with respect to three paradoxes--the evaluation of catalogs, optimal library size, and Lenin's view of public libraries in the U.S. Seven references are cited. (CHC)

Historical studies of public libraries are important because they provide insight into the development of these institutions and serve as an aid to future researchers. This paper examines the development of the Tuscarawas County Public Library (TCPL), in Ohio, for the years 1937-60, in order to discover how the library's building, budget,…

In the spring of 1980, the State of Wisconsin Division for Library Services conducted a survey to determine the level of children's services offered by public libraries throughout the state. Questionnaires were sent to the 435 public library units in the state offering library services, and 363 of these responded to the survey. Cross tabulations…

This 2-volume report measures and records the use of 16 public library children's services in Connecticut to provide management information and a model to improve the quality of services from collection development to the provision of reference and referral services. The first volume discusses the purposes of the project; examines documentation…

The Interim Study Committee on Library Issues was directed to study all aspects of public libraries, and review the space and document security problems of the state archives. The "Introduction and Reasons for Study" section highlights the Committee's 1993 findings and recommendation; 1994 goals; and conditions at the state archives. The…

This analysis of data from major library studies provides a wide range of information on public libraries in America in the 1970's. Following a discussion of the history and stated purpose of American public libraries, figures are presented for library size, population served, area served, governing bodies, financial support, revenue allocation,…

This report summarizes the activities of the South Carolina State Library for 1998-1999. Sections include: (1) library governance and mission statement; (2) brief library history; (3) details about the organization and operations of the library, including a description of each of the six service departments, a list of library staff, highlights of…

This annual report summarizes activities of the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) for the fiscal year (FY) 1993. It begins with a letter from the director who gives an overview of the report and a listing of the Library Service Executive Board. The following general areas are then discussed: (1) agency services including the summer reading…

Describes the design plans for San Francisco Public Library's new Main Library. Highlights include administrative issues, including the role of branch libraries; funding; technology, both for the building itself and for the collections; accessibility for the physically impaired; special collections; and future plans, including an integrated…

This guide is designed to assist librarians and administrators both in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their public library service to youth and in making immediate and long range plans to reach desired goals. The standards provide a basis for understanding the scope and purpose of youth services. A philosophical statement on service…

The Illinois project entitled Measurement and Evaluation of Public Library Services is being conducted by the Library Research Center (LRC) at the University of Illinois. The long range goal of the project is to make available meaningful information for the evaluation and improvement of local public libraries. Two immediate objectives are to test…

Noting that there are no de facto standards by which to measure and evaluate U.S. depository library collections, this article reviews developments in the evaluation of public libraries and recommends output measures based on public library practice for depository collections. Specific measures for the depository community are also suggested. (31…

Presents an interview with two librarians who are participating in joint-use projects, one between a public library and a school library, and one between a public library and an academic library. Personnel, commingling collections, changing library roles, and governance boards are considered. (LRW)