Major social institutions repeatedly reinforce the deprivation of the urban disadvantaged. Libraries, as the "Universities of the People," must commit themselves to the promotion of a better standard of life for all people, especially the poor. A close look at priorities is especially important if libraries are to pursue their mission in…

A university library can and should be a center for individual access to all forms of research information media, both print and non-print. The author presents a summary account of an effort to determine existing needs at the University of Connecticut for non-print information resources and services under the following headings: the University of…

The Institute on Environmental Information Programs for Public Libraries which was held at Western Michigan University on May 7-13, 1972, brought together practicing public librarians who had been successfully coping with the service demands made on their institutions by growing concern over environmental problems. As librarians who are dealing…

As institutional roles change in response to contemporary pressures on them, new opportunities arise for combining forces to achieve common objectives. With today's technological revolution in handling information, the role of the public library is both challenged and reaffirmed. Resources may be allocated from state and national levels of…

The purposes of the study which this report describes were to assist the San Francisco Public Library in further documenting the need for a new main library building, to consider financial alternatives, to recommend a site, and to develop a program of facility requirements for the future. Although not an organizational study, it has considered the…

The educational role of college libraries in India is discussed and a national effort is advocated to equip them properly. Consideration is given to the present condition of the libraries, including collections, finances, technical organization, administration, personnel, services, physical facilities, standards, and cooperation. (LBH)

This detailed overview of the concept of the information broker covers the following topics: (1) emergence and development of the concept; (2) services offered; (3) clientele; and (4) fee policies. Public sector libraries as information brokers and the future of information brokering are also discussed. Sixty-two references are listed. (MES)

Theme article on developing local history collections in public libraries begins with a discussion of collection development, and continues with sections on technical services, the library environment, staffing, programing, and marketing. A bibliography and directories of used and rare book dealers, genealogical publishers, professional…

Examines the background and development of a comprehensive plan designed to improve library service in Pennsylvania. The ACCESS Pennsylvania agenda is described, together with obstacles to its success, particularly funding problems. The effects of the agenda on special libraries are also discussed. (3 references) (MES)

Suggests ways that community college librarians can improve communication with: (1) faculty, including new faculty, off-campus instructors, and counselors; (2) administrators; (3) peers; (4) support staff; and (5) students. Highlights communication techniques particularly useful for each group. (DMM)

As background for defining public library adult services in the 1980s the perceived role of the public library in the United States since its inception is summarized and changing definitions are analyzed. Data collection and analysis plans for the Adult Services in the Eighties Project are described. (EM)

This examination of library involvement in adult literacy programs argues that public libraries had their roots in widespread concern for literacy in the 17th century and traces the development of such programs to the present. Changing definitions of literacy are summarized, and current issues in adult library services are discussed. (EM)

Examines the public library's role in adult literacy education in Australia in the past decade. Identifies areas of library services and staff training that need to change in response to the need of literacy programs. (SK)

Discusses a paradigm for academic librarianship that requires greater sensitivity to and identification with needs of library users. Centrality of library academic community is questioned, noting insistence of librarians on independent status of library and failure of bibliographic instruction programs to make issue of critical thinking top…

This paper illustrates how both marketing and advocacy are crucial skills to keeping the public aware of the library's impact. If marketing is promoting an individual library to increase public use, advocacy is broadcasting the purpose of libraries and the role of the librarian to garner public support. The issue of image of must be confronted, a…