The history of patron access microcomputers in libraries is described as carrying on a tradition that information and computer power should be shared. Questions that all types of libraries need to ask in planning microcomputer centers are considered and several model centers are described. (EM)

Discusses development of a software collection at New York Public Library for use with public access computing services. Highlights include computer literacy, languages, and software pertaining to programing, simulations, business, tutorial, graphics, and music. A core list of recommended software titles geared for use on the Apple II…

Introduction of an Apple II Plus microcomputer in the Children's Room of the Madison (Wisconsin) Public Library is described and analyzed, noting project goals, computer software, copyright issue, logistics, microcomputer users, and internal use. Lists of computer software and recent books for children about computers and computing are appended.…

The services of ComputerTown, a nonprofit computer literacy project of the People's Computer Company in Menlo Park, California with 150 worldwide affiliates, are enumerated including getting started, funding sources, selecting hardware, software selection, support materials, administrative details, special offerings (classes, events), and common…

A survey was conducted to determine the extent to which public libraries have made computer hardware and software available to their patrons. In December 1984, questionnaires were distributed to a stratified national probability sample of 900 public library systems. Results, based on a response rate of 99%, indicate that: (1) 42% of the systems…

A survey instrument was designed and administered to obtain a broad base of information concerning the presence of computers and computer literacy classes in public libraries in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota. The results indicate that 50.8% of the 100 libraries that responded to the survey (80.6% of the original random sample) have public…

Public libraries have vital role to play in introducing computer technology through provision of equipment, programs, and elementary instruction to users of all ages. Creative and resourceful approaches to budgeting and establishing policies and procedures will be required. Canadian public libraries (Oakville, Etobicoke, Aurora, Toronto) provide…

Discusses institution of public access microcomputers in Adult Continuing Education Department of Forsyth County Public Library, noting three goals and how they are being met--computer literacy, information/instruction, and development of a local educational opportunity database. A list of books and magazines used in the computer center is…

Describes the microcomputing services offered by the Learning Resources Center at Tulsa Junior College to students, faculty, and library staff, discussing such issues as software development, student use of software in the library, and the need for microcomputer literacy among library staff. (DMM)

Describes program to promote computer literacy for adults by establishing microcomputer learning centers in 11 libraries of the rural service area of the Southern Adirondack Library System. Hardware and software, project design, volunteer contribution, adult learner response, librarian learners, and state and federal aid are highlighted. Eight…

Stresses the importance of clearly establishing goals for and level of services to be offered by academic library microcomputer centers when determining staff requirements. Questions to be considered when developing goals and a profile of the majority of tasks involved in center operation provide some guidelines for the planning process. (EM)

Discusses 13 roles or services proposed by Costa and Costa in "A Micro Handbook for Small Libraries and Media Centers" (1983) that media specialists should consider in relation to educational computing. Current applications of microcomputers by media specialists in a public school and a private school in Hawaii are described. (MBR)

An overview of the literature reflecting the rapid development of interest in microcomputer use in education since 1978 is followed by an annotated bibliography which lists books, articles, and ERIC documents in nine categories. The first section includes materials of general interest--historical background, guides to using computers in the…

A description is provided of a program developed at Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC), in Illinois, for providing word processing instruction in the library, including recommendations for program development based on MVCC experience and results from a survey of program participants. The first part of the paper discusses a model development…