Describes a visiting information consultant program in a corporate library that was developed to provide library services to more clients, increase library visibility, and to provide new and convenient outreach library services and information to users. The initial pilot program is discussed as are observations that were incorporated into the…

Ask Here PA is Pennsylvania's new statewide live chat reference and information service. This article discusses the key strategies utilized by Ask Here PA administrators to recruit participating libraries to contribute staff time to the service, the importance of centralized staff training, the main aspects of staff training, and activating the…

Designed as a guide for public library administrators and personnel, the document suggests ways to recruit new library users from the disadvantaged adult population. Libraries interested in recruitment are assumed to already have materials for the disadvantaged that include easy to read adult content materials, audio-visuals, out reach services,…

Although an increasingly large proportion of Americans are living to be 65, evidence indicates that little is being done to alleviate the problems of declining health diminishing income, limited mobility and social interaction, and the disproportionately severe effects of inflation upon the elderly. Despite the fact that this age group is becoming…

This survey was conducted to identify service areas and needs of the sixteen libraries in Albany County. Based primarily on personal interviews with the librarians, the report provides information on staffing, community size, financial support, and library programs directed toward the community. A summary showing comparative collection size,…

Reviews demographic and health data on older Americans and describes services at the Topeka Public Library that are targeted to serve adults aged 75 and older, including selection and delivery of books to shut-ins and nursing homes, materials and information for the visually handicapped, and special programing. (8 references) (MES)

Developments in library services to Hispanic Americans include special collection development and outreach services to non-users but change is coming too slowly for America's fastest growing minority. Professional education has responded slowly, if at all to the Hispanic population's needs. (MBR)

Describes the growth of service through program improvement and technical development at the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) of the Library of Congress. (MBR)

Addresses the questions of why community library services have failed to become integrated with traditional public library services, and how such services may develop in the future in the light of service techniques, professionalism, organizational behavior, and trends in human services. References are included. (FM)

Discusses a teen book group's discussion of "Shattering Glass," a new young adult novel by Gail Giles. Describes planning; the book's plot; the book discussion; the librarians' conversation with the author which passed along students' comments; and reflections on the experience. (AEF)

Suggests ways to use library buildings and space to attract users and to showcase collections and services. Ideas for a marketing strategy using windows, promenades and walkways, the entrance of lobby, and the interior are offered. Increasing use by making libraries a place for fun and entertainment is also recommended. (MES)

This article discusses the current status of teens in society. The article reports that half of all teens have been affected by the divorce of their parents; one in five lives in poverty; and approximately one in six suffers from depression. Thirty-five percent of teenage girls get pregnant at least once before age 20. This article discusses ways…

Promoting services is a conundrum for any organization. This is especially true for an academic library promoting distance library services. Systems thinking, process mapping, team learning, and diffusion of information practices offer ways of thinking about promoting services that help those involved find novel ways to approach promoting distance…

Community education gives public librarians the opportunity to become engaged in a cooperative project which could lead to expanded services. The movement, started in 1936, has expanded throughout the United States. Community education programs attempt to foster community participation, develop interaction between schools and the community,…

Describes a regional library program to increase library service to children. (PF)