This publication reports on research conducted to follow up on a 1997 survey of public libraries and the Internet, co-sponsored by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science and the American Library Association. The 1998 survey is based on a sample of 2,500 of the nation's 15,718 public library outlets. The survey found that…

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…

The first part of a two-part review of research related to school library media collections summarizes studies with implications for budgets and collection size, the selection process, collection policies, and the librarian as censor. A table compares data on holdings and expenditures for schools providing high-level library service with national…

The Draper Laboratory Library created the Draper Gopher in response to the following factors: library downsizing, the computer services department's changing role, customer needs, and developments in technology affecting the information environment. Results of its implementation include user-focused reference services; increased interlibrary loan…

Describes a study conducted at the University of Southern Mississippi to examine the attitudes of professors of educational administration toward school library media program information in school principal preparation programs. Characteristics of the professors are discussed, and the influence of guidelines contained in "Information…

Sixteen leaders in the field of youth librarianship share their perspectives on the last 40 years and predictions for the future. Topics include major issues, changes in public and school library services, censorship, changes in users and the impact on library service, changes in children's books, and the future role of libraries and librarians.…

Discusses the role of academic libraries and librarians and suggests they should become more involved in social and political issues such as AIDS education. The use of a mass media campaign as a model for library activities is explained, and problems surrounding AIDS education in libraries are addressed. (20 references) (LRW)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 46 books of interest to school library media specialists in the categories of cataloging and technical services, issues and perspectives, management, resources, the teaching role, and technology. (LRW)

Considers the implications of community connections by examining a coalition developed by the Pekin Public Library (Illinois): the Pekin Intergenerational Network (PIN). Highlights include recognizing the need for coalitions; developing a team; and evaluating the coalition's progress. (AEF)

Describes library services available to distance learners at the Rochester Institute of Technology's library. Highlights include courseware products; subject specialists; electronic course reserves; interlibrary loan; research databases; online library instruction, including online guides, streamed instruction, and computer based training for…

Expanded newborn screening programs and subsequent detection of rare genetic disorders challenge parents and their medical providers to learn about the treatment and management of these disorders. Many people seek medical information on the Internet but may encounter requests for registration or fees, or find that resources are out of date,…

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…

This strategic plan postulates the goals and directions that the Millersville University Library (Pennsylvania) will strive to achieve during the next 5 years and beyond; defines the central place in the campus community that the library maintains; outlines how change will affect its services, collections, staff, facilities and users; provides an…

This paper provides ideas implemented by one school librarian to improve and encourage the use of the school library by Limited-English-Proficiency (LEP) and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students at the school. First, a description is given of how the librarian fostered a positive and welcoming environment for introducing the students to the…

This report discusses the development of a school library program for Canadian schools that departs from tradition by focusing on the instructional role as the most significant work of the teacher-librarian and presents a new program model paradigm. The paradigm is examined under three main headings: (1) the instructional component; (2) student…