Discusses issues of identifying, storing, handling, and providing access to rare books and materials in institutions without special collections departments. Suggests that although many community colleges do not collect rare materials, they may nonetheless be in possession of books that are rare and that should receive special care. (ontains four…

Discusses the unique factors that online electronic resources pose in school library settings. Topics include the appropriateness of online electronic resources; strategic planning for Internet access, including acceptable use policies; administrative issues; selection and acquisition; organization; and intellectual access, including library…

This report, in two volumes, is a study of the role and future of public libraries in adult literacy that involved a survey of 200 professionals--state librarians, state library literacy contacts, heads of state literacy resource centers (SLRCs), and local library literacy program heads. The first volume describes the study findings in seven…

The public library board of trustees is an example of the great democratic tradition of giving authority for the operation of public agencies to members of the general public. The public library board is legally responsible for overseeing the efficient and effective operation of the public library. The board hires the library's administrator,…

Libraries are one of the world's greatest assets. Changes in the political, social, and economic climate in the U.S. mean that people cannot take public access to information for granted. Intense competition for public, private, and institutional dollars makes it more crucial than ever that policymakers understand that libraries--public, school,…

Over 60 members of the State University of New York at Stony Brook faculty and staff worked for almost a year to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the University Libraries, the first phase of which is presented here. The process, which began in the spring of 1991, consisted of three phases: (1) Organization--meeting of the planning team…

This manual provides practical information on the planning, organization, and operation of school libraries. Some of the guidelines differentiate between small libraries with minimal collections and larger, better-equipped libraries with more resources. Introductory materials include definitions of terms used in this manual. Guidelines are then…

Library board members are an integral part of public libraries. Because of the importance of their role, this handbook gives library trustees in Oklahoma a basic understanding of their responsibilities and power. It contains useful information about developing policy, the board/director relationship, funding, intellectual freedom, library laws,…

Thirty-two case studies illustrating problem areas and situations that develop in the modern environment of the electronic school library media program are presented for use by library science students and library/media center managers. Based on input from practicing librarians at the elementary and secondary levels, the studies are designed to…

Discusses collection development and acquisitions in virtual, or networked, libraries. Topics include electronic versus digital libraries; philosophical issues of library acquisition; user expectations, including wants and needs; strategic planning, including resource sharing agreements, retrospective conversion, and staff training; collection…

The purpose of this guide is to help new librarians in Idaho get started at their jobs. It provides a basic overview of library administration, policy, procedure, activities, and services. The following topics are covered: library law; working with the board of trustees; formulating and writing policies and procedures; budgeting and finance;…

Administrators of public library youth services departments and managers of school library media centers often rely on broad sources for advice on managing their specialized youth services. This book is designed to assist youth services librarians in becoming well-versed in management skills crucial to the continued existence of quality service to…

The process of selecting and maintaining the collection for the community consumes much of the staff's time in public libraries. Small libraries with fewer staff have less time for these activities. This handbook enables staff to use their time most efficiently while doing specific tasks; forms, checklists, and samples are used as guides. The main…

This long range plan, which was prepared in compliance with the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), begins with an overview of the library public and the state library agency in Louisiana. Identification of needs and action plans are presented in the following goal areas: (1) improving state library administration; (2) extending services…

Now that fewer libraries are being built, it is particularly important to maximize space in the buildings available, and to ensure that library plans are determined by the needs of users. This book introduces the concept of space as a resource available to the library manager, along with stock, staff, and finance, which need managing in the same…