Discussion of the merger of separate library units focuses on examples from Indiana State University Libraries' recent merging of the interlibrary loan unit of the reference department with the circulation department to form a new lending services department. Factors to consider in the merging process are discussed, emphasizing staff needs. (seven…

Provides background on the adoption of standards for reference service in public, special, academic, and high school libraries by the Suburban Library System (Illinois) and discusses their implementation and plans for evaluation. Highlights of the standards for written policies, staff, and resources are given; and the problem of noncompliance is…

Discussion of changing demographics and implications for academic libraries focuses on the expected increases in the numbers of Blacks and international students. Educational trends are discussed; and program ideas for academic libraries preparing for a multicultural environment are suggested, including sensitivity training for staff, minority…

Three papers on library budget priorities for the 1990s discuss (1) reallocating the budget to spend less on staff and more on collections and access; (2) budget concerns of public libraries, emphasizing the future role of libraries; and (3) the academic library perspective, including assumptions, evaluation, and new paradigms related to library…