An evaluation of Chicago's El Centro de la Causa Library and Information Center was undertaken by the University of Illinois Library Research Center in 1974. Evaluation methods included: (1) a survey of user and nonuser characteristics and attitudes concerning library services; (2) a survey of the needs and information-seeking behavior of people…

The Appalachian Adult Education Center (AAEC) conducted a study of the services of two institutions, public libraries and public schools, serving disadvantaged adults in cooperation. The study was conducted at four AAEC centers in Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The problems explored included information needs of…

Two Wisconsin public library systems conducted a planning process for library services to special needs users during 1985-86. The needs assessment process used and the results obtained are described in detail and the two approaches used are compared. (One library collected more qualitative data and the other more quantitative data.) (EM)

This report describes the literacy activities of Missouri Public Libraries in 1996. The report includes: a letter from the Missouri Secretary of State; national and state literacy statistics and trends; a description of the library survey and its results; state library efforts; lists of Missouri and national literacy organizations with contact…

This paper summarizes some of the traditional, as well as newer, ways that academic librarians can interact with faculty and thereby demonstrate what they have to offer in future collaborative efforts. Examples are drawn from the author's experience at Old Dominion University (Virginia). Highlights include: university service, including librarians…

This annual report details the activities and accomplishments of the Library of Virginia for the 12-month period ending June 30, 1998. Following letters from the Chairman and the State Librarian, the document reports on: "The Common Wealth" exhibition; acquisitions; conservation and preservation; Virginia Center for the Book; dedication of the…

Describes the universality of the student immigrant experience, the acculturation process, the librarians's role in regard to immigrant populations, and successful school and public library responses to the challenges posed by school-age immigrant children. Library programs and services dealing with second- and third-generation immigrants, guest…

Discussion of the projected growth in ethnic and racial minority groups focuses on diversity in libraries and suggests strategies for assessing current library practices and planning for the future. Topics addressed include leadership, including goals, objectives, and policies; staff development; and program development, including outreach…

Discusses bookmobile service as it exists today and projects its future for the 1990s based on a survey of public libraries identified through the Adult Services in the Eighties (ASE) project. Topics discussed include costs; circulation figures; service areas, including rural communities; staff training and public services; collections;…

Describes an outreach program developed by a public library system for introducing library services to parents of preschool children enrolled in a Head Start center. Topics discussed include the importance of reading to children; sensitivity to bilingual needs; adult literacy needs; sample picture books; and nonprint materials available at the…

Addresses the importance of links between school and academic libraries through articulation programs; explains how articulation can be initiated through precollege outreach programs; discusses advantages for academic libraries, including improved university-community relationships and outreach to diverse students; and describes the outreach…

Discusses the future outlook for reference librarians, with topics including: "Technology as the Source of Change"; "Impact of the Internet"; "Defining the Virtual Library"; "Rethinking Reference"; "Out of the Library and into the Streets"; "Asking Users About Their Needs"; "Standardization and Artificial Intelligence"; "The Financial Future"; and…

This paper seeks to dispel misconceptions about home-schooled children--that they are brainwashed, poorly socialized, or receive poor education. Public libraries can serve the needs of this user group by increasing staff awareness of both the Christian and the "unschooling" philosophical camps, keeping communication lines open about…

Noting that telecommunications technology is making it possible to search library catalogs around the nation and the world via a modem and a personal computer, this paper highlights some of the reasons why a researcher would wish to search library catalogs through the Internet, which is a network of networks with connections to nearly 1,000…

This study is the second of a two-phase survey of public library information and referral (I&R) service. In this phase, seven public libraries offering I&R services were studied in depth to provide descriptions of their operations, organizational factors, and the reactions of their users. Organizational factors and operations were studied through…