The most surprising response from the "Library Journal" 2002 survey of 150 public libraries is that circulation is up after declines for the past couple of years. Budgets are holding their own, with a slight increase overall of 3%. Aggressive merchandising, promotion, and better circulation systems point to success. (AEF)

The Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) assists the state of Alabama in the extension and improvement of public library services to areas and populations of the state which are without such services or to which such services are inadequate. Federal LSCA monies are spend on statewide projects at the Alabama Public Library Service. Projects…

The Library Service and Construction Act (LSCA) assists the state of Alabama in the extension and improvement of public library services to areas and populations of the state which are without such service or to which such services are inadequate. Federal LSCA monies are administered by the Alabama Public Library Service and are spent on local and…

Assesses the collections of Nigerian university libraries by comparing them to those of their peers in other African and British universities. Discusses the impact of the World Bank Loan Project on resuscitating Nigerian university libraries. Strategies for maintaining adequacy and relevance of the collections for the 21st century are recommended.…

In 2000, Stately grants, earmarked to cover 50% of operational costs and purchases of mobile libraries in Norway, were proposed to be canceled. An intense lobby resulted in a transfer of operational costs to block grants. Grants toward the purchase of mobile libraries in Norway no longer exist. This paper discusses whether it is possible during…

The previous head of the Central Library of Riverside City and County Public Library (RCCPL) (California) examines the economic failure of the system and the effects of the move to total outsourcing to a private commercial firm, Library Systems & Services (LSSI). Concludes that RCCPL had problems long before it was outsourced to LSSI. (AEF)

This document chronicles the evolution of the Norwalk (Ohio) Public Library (established in 1866) from a small collection in an upper room in the Old Mansion Block building to a Carnegie facility which has been renovated to meet today's needs, including accessibility to the handicapped. Funding for the first reading room was provided by the Alert…

Discusses activities at the Library of Congress during 1996, including the Management Improvement Plan, legislative support to Congress, technology projects, service to Congress and the nation through technology, collections security, materials processing, storage, acquisitions, preservation, copyrights, exhibitions, restoration and renovation,…

Provides a historical view of the spread of public libraries in North Carolina. Highlights include subscription libraries; tax-supported libraries; the role of women's groups; state assistance; library services to African Americans; bookmobiles; and a series of maps that show the incidents of public libraries in various years. (Contains 52…

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…

This book, emphasizing service to users, includes 10 chapters by different librarians who have had experience as practitioners. Chapters are: (1) "Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins, or Technology and the Future of Library Service in Academic Libraries" (Michael Gorman); (2) "The Gateway Library: Rethinking Undergraduate Services" (Lizabeth A.…

This book is designed to provide the information needed to start a new agricultural library. The guide covers a wide range of topics including information sources, acquisitions procedures, and public relations. It provides addresses of publishers and information sources; a list of common abbreviations; a ground plan for a library; and information…

Addresses the Wallace-Reader's Digest Funds' experiences working with school libraries and the lessons learned from the Library Power initiative, including: how school libraries can support national education goals, particularly in meeting the challenges outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; current threats to library reform; and how…

Highlights some of the excuses library trustees give for not doing advocacy. Presents points to keep in mind when planning and conducting advocacy programs, including: long-term goals, short-term goals, and follow-up activities. Sidebars include a "Trustee Association Health Quiz" and quotes from the field about advocacy. (AEF)

Describes programs developed by the Chicago School District to renovate and revitalize its school libraries. Topics include funding, other educational reforms in the district, updating library collections, updating librarians' skills, increasing budgets through grants, flexible scheduling, corporate support, relations with the Chicago Public…