Discusses a variety of library applications of optical disc storage technology, including CD-ROM, digital videodisc, and WORM. Research and development projects at the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, and National Agricultural Library are described, products offered by library networks are reviewed, and activities in academic and…

Presents information on library services to children and youth that was prepared for the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services. Children's needs and library responses are suggested, including locating and using information, use of current technology, equal access to information, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.…

Three papers address the future of libraries and the role of OCLC. Highlights include changes in public libraries, including access to information and technological changes; electronic information systems and their integration with print systems; interlibrary loan; cooperative collection development; and service to the managerial and professional…

Eight articles review the progress achieved in making library computing technologies and library services accessible to people with disabilities. Adaptive technologies, automated conversion into Braille, and successful programs that demonstrate compliance with the American with Disabilities Act are described. A resource list is included. (EA)

Discusses issues of quality in public libraries in light of changes in services resulting from social and economic changes. Highlights include quality strategies, the customer service revolution, anticipating new markets, defining library values and missions, information technology, training staff for the future, funding, partnerships, and…

This report presents a systematic review of the literacy services of the Vancouver Public Library (British Columbia), both to determine if those activities met the needs and expectations of local adult learners and to see if those activities compared favorably with general standards and with other libraries' literacy services. Data was collected…

This study shows how performance measurement can be developed to take advantage of the most advanced computer software and hardware now available. The "Toolbox" study was commissioned by the European Commission (EC) and undertaken by De Montfort University in partnership with Essex County Libraries and the Library and Information…

Three sets of roles that libraries play in education are identified. Each of the roles is explained, accompanied by relevant statistics and examples. In the first place, libraries provide access to education by teaching information skills, by providing leadership and expertise in the use of information and information technologies, and by…

The South Carolina State Library's plan for use of Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) Title I, II, and III funds is presented. Highlights include: a profile of the public, including special needs populations; profiles of the state's libraries and their needs; criteria, priorities and procedures for library improvement under Title I…

The purpose of this guide is to help new librarians in Idaho get started at their jobs. It provides a basic overview of library administration, policy, procedure, activities, and services. The following topics are covered: library law; working with the board of trustees; formulating and writing policies and procedures; budgeting and finance;…

These volumes report on investigation, activities, and viewpoints related to rural library service. Topics covered are the role of rural libraries, the needs and characteristics of its users, the characteristics of its trustees, difference in operation and information service between rural and urban libraries, and the role of technology in helping…

This manual for the 1993 New York State summer reading program, "Book Banquet," ties books and reading together with the theme of eating. The manual offers program ideas, activities, and materials. The following chapters are included: (1) "Appetizers" (planning, publicity, and promotion); (2) "Setting the Table"…

The Biglerville Community Library Project was a cooperative effort between the Upper Adams School District and the Adams County Public Library (Pennsylvania). Its goal was to create a library service program for the underserved residents of the Biglerville community. The objectives of the program were: (1) to continue to strengthen the on-going…

The Kansas Library Network Board (KLNB) appointed a Distance Learning Committee to investigate the possibilities for more effective cooperative arrangements between institutions sponsoring distance learning classes and local libraries. This document contains two sets of recommendations to the KLNB. The first set describes how the KLNB might assist…

The Texas State Library provides services to persons unable to read standard print due to blindness or other visual impairments, including a wide range of large print materials, braille, and recordings. The library also coordinates a reading machine program incorporating 70 sites in public and academic libraries and provides classrooms with books,…