This paper examines the functions and services of public, academic, special, and school libraries; identifies similarities and differences that might exist among them; looks at basic functions and how they relate to the characteristics of the library's clientele; determines to what extent the services have been cost-effective; and explores…

Public libraries can no longer be all things to all people," they need to set one or two major goals to serve one or two major sectors and give everything they have to this effort. (7 references) (Author/NH)

The eight papers included in this anthology were originally presented during the 1968 quarterly meeting of the Public Libraries Section, Victorian Division of the Library Association of Australia. The papers are: (1) Some Current Problems in Public Library Development in Victoria, (2) The Role of Government and Public Libraries, (3) Regional…

Believes librarians should cut themselves loose from the goals of school and set up alternative learning networks. (Editor)

Suggestions for enticing the public into libraries are presented. (1 reference) (SM)

Identifies the role of the trustee in the public library and the responsibilities that accompany it. (Author/LLS)

The aims of this one-year research project undertaken for the School of Librarianship were: (1) to determine the various information needs of the user groups in the colleges, (2) to investigate present library services in light of the users' needs and (3) to propose immediate and long-term development plans for the library. In this study the role…

What is the state of the public library today and what should it be in the future? The need for answers to these questions is the reason for this study. Societal factors affecting the public library are studied. The report examines the development of the public library in the 20-year span since the "Public Library Inquiry" (1950-70), and describes…

This essay addresses the ambiguity and confusion arising out of two values that have been embodied in American public library ideology since at least the last quarter of the nineteenth century: concept of the public library as community institution; the public library's emphasis on service to the individual. (27 references) (EJS)

This collection of 34 papers and speeches presented at the conference covers a wide range of topics pertaining to the role of libraries in contemporary society, including issues in library education, library/community relations, library planning and policy-making, technological trends, library services, and library administration. While several…

Summarizes some of the considerations that face library planners as they study the role that public libraries can play in meeting needs of immigrants. Eight references are cited. (FM)

Presents a draft of a statement articulating the American Library Association's goals for the White House Conference on Library and Information Services in the areas of libraries' social value, library funding, literacy programs, outreach policies, national planning, and access to information. (FM)

Describes procedures used by the St. Paul Public Library (Minnesota) to gather input from patrons to use in developing a new strategic plan. The use of group interviews and a survey to identify which roles of the library were important to users and which services supported each role is explained. (two references) (LRW)

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

The conclusion contains reports of discussions from the four groups which make up participant types: (a) those having no cable, (b) those having old cable systems, (c) those negotiating for cable, and (d) those having cable but no programs. (Other conference materials are LI 503071 through LI 503083.) (Author/SM)