Presents responses to 10 common arguments against the use of Internet filters in libraries. Highlights include keyword blocking; selection of materials; liability of libraries using filters; users' judgments; Constitutional issues, including First Amendment rights; and censorship. (LRW)

Examines the issue of evaluation of information by librarians in reference services, comparing this aspect of reference with the evaluative decisions made in the selection process. It is argued that libraries should assume an evaluative role in order to help users sort through information and make wise decisions about what they need. (two…

Describes the development, operation, and services of a special unit at the Chicago Public Library that provides reference and research services to professional librarians. Specific reference materials, online databases, and current awareness services are covered. The selection and acquisition of library materials is discussed in some detail. (21…

Describes major influxes of immigrant populations in the United States in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, their impact on library services, and literacy programs for multicultural populations established during this time period. Questions about past and current missions of the public library are considered, and the work of librarian…

This report on one of the activities of the Maine State Library Literacy Project, which was funded in 1986 through the Library Literacy Program, Title VI of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), presents discussions of literacy, adult new readers, literacy programs in libraries, serving adult new readers, selecting materials, and how…

This document summarizes the results of a 1994 survey regarding the use of document suppliers by 90 ARL (Association of Research Libraries) members. A document supplier was defined as "a company or service that supplies documents for a fee." Document suppliers are increasingly used by research libraries as cost-effective solutions to the…

This final report presents an independent formative and summative evaluation of the National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS/BPH) braille and audio magazine program. In this program, 77 magazines are distributed directly to subscribers, with 43 magazines available on audio flexible discs and 34 magazines available in…

Describes bookmobile service to Amish users in Holmes County (Ohio). Highlights include differences between students from public and parochial Amish schools; censorship; adult women users; requested fiction and nonfiction materials; and the need to understand Amish patron needs to be successful. (LRW)

Developing an Internet local job resource collection to expand library services to jobseekers utilizes librarian expertise in the evaluation, selection, and presentation of resources. This article provides Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) and descriptions for online resource guides containing job information, resume services, recruiting sites, job…

This videotape provides a general overview of the kinds of services and materials available at the public library. The videotape can be used as part of a general orientation program for volunteers, new users, or community groups. Topics covered include: the information desk and reference services; the Dewey Decimal System and how to locate books…

This book provides a systematic, step-by-step process and includes practical ideas and program materials for library staff to use in their development of library services to Latinos. Designed primarily for public libraries, much of the information in the book can be adapted to school library media centers. The information in the book can also be…

This manual, written primarily for Wisconsin public librarians, is designed to provide practical assistance to those who wish to expand public library collections of American Indian (defined as people in the United States and Canada who trace their lineage to the original habitants of these lands) resources and to improve related library programs…

This book shows librarians the strengths and weaknesses of electronic resources and the implications these resources have on collection management. It helps librarians incorporate electronic resources into their collections. The book examines the history of electronic resources in document collections and analyzes the gains and losses libraries…