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…

This directory provides information about various types of Michigan libraries. The directory is divided into 13 sections: Alphabetical List of Public and Branch Libraries Whose Names Do Not Indicate Their Location; Public and Branch Libraries; Library Cooperatives; Academic Libraries; Regions of Cooperation; Regional Educational Media Centers;…

This annual report from the Colorado State Library describes highlights of developments that took place in the past year. Discussion includes Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) administration; school library media development; programs to promote library literacy and diversity; the State Publications Library; StateLINC distribution program…

Examines the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) which provides access to the state's public library resources; federal, state, and regional information resources; and other electronic information resources. Describes OPLIN's role in Ohio, hardware and services provided, mission, origin, funding, staff training, databases, future plans…

The first article discusses the role of the library in promoting adult literacy and issues that will be addressed at the May 1990 State Library Literacy Forum in Alexandria. The primary issue explored is the need for cooperative planning and leadership at the state level. The second describes the experiences of a volunteer literacy tutor. (CLB)

Identifies library values affected by technology, including respect for and privacy of the individual, equality of user needs, and freedom of purpose and access. Fundamental changes that may result from technology are predicted in the areas of the library role, functions of staff, fees for services and document delivery, and costs of local and…

Three articles present responses to Summers' predictions of fundamental changes in libraries caused by the use of technology. The discussions cover the role of children's librarians in shaping future users and perceptions of libraries, the positive effects of technology on services to children and young adults, and the need to base library…

Social and economic issues affecting the vitality of public libraries in California are discussed. A 1993 study by the California State Library identified diminishing reference skills and reference collections, reduced funding which impacted staffing, increased demand, technology change, and language/culture issues as contributing factors to…

Summarizes recommendations from the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services which examined directions that technology must take regarding the library/media information fields (emphasizing literacy, productivity, and democracy). The paper makes recommendations about services, access, governance, networking, training,…

Describes the technical, political, economic, and cultural environments of library automation. A review is then presented of five books covering wide-ranging library automation themes, including practical experiences; planning second-generation library systems; software, systems, and services; new roles for librarians; and the national network…

Describes a plan that has been developed by the Commission of the European Community (CEC) for libraries in Europe. Highlights include machine-readable national bibliographies and union catalogs; retrospective conversion projects; networks; user services and information technology; a pilot project using CD-ROM; and cooperative projects and…

This first of three consecutive articles examines trends for the future that emphasize libraries expanding their role in the community and individuals becoming more involved. Discusses the library as the community center for civic renewal, library as navigator, and library as coalition builder. Presents comments from librarians on reasons for and…

Describes how systems librarian-related mailing lists are used by information professionals. Examination of 12 selected mailing lists and their geographic distribution reveals a great gap existing between developing and developed countries, with the United States in the dominant position. Knowledge background, technical limitations, and language…

This manifesto for school libraries that is endorsed by UNESCO, and developed by Gwynneth Evans of the National Library of Canada, discusses the mission of the school library, including access to services and materials; funding legislation and library networks; goals to support the development of literacy; staff; operation and management; and…

Prior to 1997, the University of Oxford in Great Britain had approximately one hundred autonomous libraries with little coordination of services, collection development, or management among them. In that year a new director was hired with the mandate to integrate many of these libraries into one centralized system. Over the past seven years…