Describes an experimental integrated service point that combines the desks and staff who perform reference and circulation at one of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's libraries. Considers whether this service model can consolidate public service points to improve response to customer needs; discusses performance measurement; and offers…

Considers ways in which library services can be more proactive in today's networked-computer environment. Discusses how to find and use patterns of behavior, such as borrowing behavior and profiles of patrons' interests; making a CD-ROM with information describing the library's services and products; and reviving telephone reference. (LRW)

This manual is provided to help Wisconsin counties that participate in state-funded public library systems fulfill their statutory obligations to provide library service to their residents. It suggests a range of alternatives, provides a broad outline of planning considerations, and describes service environments and possible responses to those…

This report examines the present fiscal condition and changing nature of the system of public libraries in Massachusetts. Despite the impact of budget cuts on operating hours and staffing, the demand for library services has increased concomitantly with the information needs of individuals, professionals, and businesses. Many of the municipal…

Recreational reading has proved its importance in the public library systems nationwide, as confirmed by circulation records and significant consideration in library budgets, indicating the need to develop systems that bring the book and the reader together in a systematic way. This paper seeks to define the operation of readers' advisory programs…

Includes three articles that debate whether interlibrary loan (ILL) is the best way to get public library patrons what they need. Highlights include return on investment; funding; alternatives to ILL, including purchase on demand and online full-text databases; cost effectiveness; and the advantages of patron-initiated ILL through interconnected…

Describes the Hosseinieh Ershad Public Library, a model library established in Iran after the Islamic Revolution that contains a predominant religious collection. Reviews the library's historical background, current cataloging system, collections and their circulation, services to blind patrons and children, funding and staff. Photographs of the…

A sample of 300 video patrons at the Grandview Heights Public Library (Ohio) was surveyed to determine what information they used from the videocassette container to make their selections. It was expected that knowing what patrons used could help in deciding how much information to enter in bibliographic records for videocassettes. The majority of…

During the period April-May 1997 at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) in Florida, three study teams conducted studies of the utilization of library resources by format, subject areas, and year of publication. The study investigated book and audiovisual circulation; journal use; and interlibrary loan and intra campus delivery. This paper…

Examines the present services offered by university libraries in Nigeria, future users' expectations, the role of information technology, the type of staff needed, and the impact of computers on acquisitions, circulation, interlibrary loan, serials control, and online information retrieval. Finances, staff development, and the need for library…

The role that rural libraries could have in increasing the awareness level of disability issues in their communities and in expanding opportunities for the disabled was studied in a survey of 401 rural Indiana and Iowa libraries. A review of the literature associated with rural rehabilitation services suggests that the two crucial barriers to the…

This 5-year plan for the improvement of library service in Louisiana identifies specific existing inadequacies and presents specific goals and objectives as part of an overall plan to overcome barriers to the best possible library service in the state. It is noted that, in Louisiana, the State Library does not have administrative authority over…

Libraries in Louisiana strengthen the economy and serve the people. Libraries and their employees play a significant role in the Louisiana infrastructure, consuming state goods and services, complementing educational institutions, creating a literate citizenry, and providing cost effective access to information for business, industry, government…