This revised edition reflects the changes that have taken place in the commonwealth's community of public libraries since the "Handbook" was published in 1991. This handbook is designed to give boards of trustees' basic information on the structure of library service in Virginia, with emphasis on their major areas of responsibility.…

Summarizes the major findings of the Gallup Survey and discusses their implications for public library planning. (PF)

Census tapes are not a ready reference tool and must be supported by appropriate program tapes. However, census materials provide the single, most important sources of information and measures which, properly used, provide a better understanding of our society. In utilizing census products, librarians need to fill the role of a user, as well as…

This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the telephone reference service of a university library. Questions were called in by volunteers to several different divisions of the library to try to determine: (a) factual accuracy of responses, (b) level of interviewing by the staff person, and (c) attitude of the staff person. Results of the study…

A World Wide Web site, developed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Information Services staff and funded by a NEB*SAT (Nebraska's multiple channel satellite and optical fiber educational telecommunications network) grant, provides a clearinghouse of distance education, Internet, and Web page development information that is useful to librarians and…

The operation of the university library is examined. Despite the increase in size of libraries, their standard of service is declining. Reasons for this decline are advanced. The strategic goals of the library are redefined with implications for the library's acquisition, shelving, and retention policies. (Author)

Discusses the concepts of paradigm shifts, multiple intelligences, and the librarian's role. Notes that whole language, exploratory and discovery learning, and collaborative and cooperative learning depend on the school library media program. Provides resources for students and teachers engaged in the "seven intelligences" approach to…

This strategic plan details the commitment of the California State Library to the future and the recognition of its record of achievement of the past. The document is divided into four sections. The first section discusses the Library's mission and philosophy and describes various programs (State Library Service Bureau, Braille and Talking Books…

The purpose of library public relations is to develop ongoing programs of contact between the librarians and the population groups that they serve. This book is a guide to creating a library public relations program or for improving an existing program. The information is divided into six sections, and sources of additional information are…

These guidelines for developing and maintaining a library in a resident nursing home, for use by either staff members or volunteers, recommend an individual survey of each resident as a way of determining reading preferences and deciding what materials should be ordered. Other areas examined are the location of the library, including space and…

Provides "The Librarian's Bookshelf" a selected annotated bibliography of books (mostly published since 1995) to help librarians deal with the issues of providing appropriate service to children and adults. Lists titles alphabetically in several categories of technical services and issues, instruction, information services, legal issues,…

This document outlines the Alaska State Plan for 1998-2002 prepared in accordance with the Library Services and Technology Act. The overall goal of the State Library program is to assure access for all Alaskans to the library resources necessary to meet informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs. Population characteristics…

Proposes that training paraprofessionals for routine reference desk service is an inexpensive way for libraries to allow professionals to address tasks such as long-range planning, policy making, and sophisticated information retrieval. Suggests that training should focus on specific questions that are likely to come up and on appropriate…

In recognition of 1981 as the Year of Disabled Persons, 10 out of the 13 essays in this issue deal specifically with library service to the disabled; the remaining three discuss the Public Library Association (PLA) Planning Process, the New York State Research Library Resources Access Project, and New York State public library construction needs.…

The theme of this working conference, Libraries Without Walls, was explored by representatives of business, labor, government, education, community organizations and libraries. Recommendations were made for the more effective use of libraries in providing information for the entire community. The problems, proposals and recommendations of thirteen…