The 10 papers presented in this report examine various aspects of rural bookmobile projects in the United States. The objectives of this first bookmobile conference were to offer (1) encouragement to bookmobile workers; (2) information for improving their services; (3) new data for subjective analysis of services; and (4) assistance in developing…

This report traces the development of an in-house library program for preschoolers and out-reach media mobile program for culturally disadvantaged preschoolers. Activities philosophy, problems, and success in planning library story hours, media collection development, and out-reach program development--converting a bus into a media mobile-- are…

Suggests factors to be considered in planning a youth services department: (1) the public served; (2) kinds of materials included in the collection; (3) kinds of equipment available; (4) commitment to public service; (5) amenities for public comfort; (6) needs of library staff; and (7) integration of youth services into total library service. (MES)

As our society moves increasingly from an era of affluence to one of scarcity, the evaluation and assessment of publicly supported services will become even more crucial and necessary to ensure that public resources are being expended in the most effective manner. Evaluation of library service effectiveness is defined in this paper in terms of…

Describes two types of program budgeting that were well received in the literature of the 1960s and 1970s. The results of a survey which examined the impact of zero-based budgeting (ZBB) and planning-programming-budgeting system (PPBS) on library budgets are presented, and potentially useful aspects of program budgeting are identified. (CLB)

This paper examines the role of innovation in library operations, with an aim to incorporate innovative procedures that achieve convenience in practice, and efficiency and effectiveness in a simultaneous economic reduction. The methodology outlined in this paper is that of Best Practices. The objective of this method is to examine an…

The literature suggests that children's library services have declined because librarians have neglected to document, evaluate, and measure their programs. The collection of such data would help strengthen their position with administrators who are dealing with financial stringency. Suggestions are offered to help counteract the decline of…

An extensive study was conducted to determine whether California's Public Library Services Act had succeeded in its goal of improving and extending library service through the establishment and funding of library systems. The comprehensive study involved field interviews at all 20 systems; a review of system documents; a survey of reference…

The report provides an overview of the findings, analysis, and conclusions of the external evaluation of the effectiveness of Alberta Education Library Services conducted between September 1985 and March 1986 under the guidance of the Library Services Evaluation Steering Committee (Phase 2 of the evaluation and planning process initiated in 1985…

Four hundred and fifty-three patrons responded to a 1976 library use survey conducted at California State College at Dominguez Hills to assess present effectiveness and identify areas of concern for use in planning. The study found that some library patrons use the local public libraries because they are more convenient, while others use larger…

The report presents the findings, analysis, and conclusions of the external evaluation of the effectiveness of Alberta Education Library Services conducted between September 1985 and March 1986 under the guidance of the Library Services Evaluation Steering Committee (Phase 2 of the evaluation and planning process initiated in 1985 to clarify the…

Libraries devote serious resources to user-education programs and need to measure their effectiveness with hard data. This guide was designed to simplify the evaluation planning process and the making of evaluation instruments. The material was developed from hundreds of survey instruments used by librarians around the country. The handbook…

Explains why information-science professionals may find it well to keep planning to a minimum, stay flexible, and alter the outline in order to succeed in today's fast-paced world. Discusses ideas of renowned management consultant Margaret Wheatley, and the need to rethink the roles of managers and leaders. (AEF)

Identifies research topics related to outcomes assessment in a networked environment and discusses issues affecting these topics. Proposes a framework to relate traditional evaluation components and terminology to the networked environment and identifies factors in the networked environment that affect assessment methods. Suggests outcomes…

Focuses on the practical aspects of outsourcing cataloging in academic libraries. Factors examined include reasons for outsourcing, materials that are outsourced, and advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing. Concludes that although outsourcing is not a prevailing trend in the academic libraries, it is a viable option if carefully planned and…