This manual was developed as part of a program to create an awareness of library services for older adults, dispel myths of aging, and generate innovative programming. The first section offers a profile of aging and presents facts on older Oklahomans, reading habits of older adults, developmental tasks of aging and middle age, information needs…

Describes types of hearing impairments and discusses library equipment, materials, and programs for the hearing impaired. American Library Association guidelines for four areas of service to the hearing impaired are summarized: communications; resources; publicity and programs; and participation and staffing. Addresses for related organizations…

Identifies deficiencies in reference services offered by archives and examines factors preventing effective use of archival resources, including changing clientele, organization of collections based on the principle of provenance, and the uniqueness of archival collections. Suggestions for improving public service, including user studies and…

Intended for libraries contemplating the purchase of a bookmobile, this guide suggests evaluating the population it will serve and the programing that will be offered; collecting staff and public input; and having a consultant develop technical specifications, just as one would have an architect design a building. (four references) (LAE)

In many countries all over the world, access for patrons with disabilities to use libraries is not yet available or even expected. In order to provide equal opportunities for all library users, it is necessary to look with the eyes of these patron groups at the physical condition of library buildings, as well as library services and programs. This…

Developed as part of a three-year project funded by the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), this manual is designed to present librarians in the State of California with an alternative, "sense-making" approach to assessing the information needs of patrons and potential patrons and to assessing accountability, i.e., whether…

Discusses ways to reorganize private libraries in order to provide better services to users. Specific suggestions are provided for analyzing the library, its staff, and its services, to determine the extent of reorganization needed and to implement change in a manner most suited to the special environment of the private library. (Author/EM)

This new column describes Internet and provides a guide to its resources for new users. The hierarchical organization of Internet is explained; library applications including cataloging, bibliographic instruction, government documents, interlibrary loan, reference, and serials are described; access to Internet is explained; common problems are…

Discussion of the potential for academic libraries to provide improved opportunities for patrons with disabilities focuses on access to online information, including online catalogs, campuswide information systems, CD-ROM products, graphical user interfaces, and electronic documents. Other considerations include location of online resources,…

Discusses imperatives for implementation of Omnibus Children and Youth Literacy through Libraries Act, including provision and prioritization of information about library services for youth, support from educational and community groups, improved library media education, cooperation among different types of libraries, leadership by state…

When evaluating colleges, prospective college students with learning disabilities should examine the college library and its services. This article offers guidelines for evaluating library services and programs for the learning-disabled population, focusing on provision of recorded textbooks and lectures, special equipment, a resource advocate for…

In mid-1985, researchers contacted librarians at 23 United States and Canadian universities to determine what end-user activities were taking place with the involvement and cooperation of the library. Although most of those contacted were members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), a few non-ARL libraries known to have active end-user…