Explores ways in which libraries can enter into partnerships with other libraries, businesses, community agencies, government, and patrons to improve library service. Values and attitudes that are inherent in partnerships are examined, and ways to apply these values to improve partnerships with patrons are suggested. (three references) (LRW)

This special section presents two articles relating to accessing online systems. The first article discusses power availability for portable computers, including batteries and electrical outlets; the second describes two bulletin board systems that provide information about the Internet and its resources for librarians and patrons. (LRW)

Discusses the development of adult literacy services, particularly in libraries, and describes a course developed at San Jose State's School of Library and Information Science that provides education as well as practical training for librarians who work with adult literacy services in libraries. A list of intern placement literacy sites is…

Discusses the similarities of information handling by corporate records managers and librarians, and proposes combining their functions and physical locations into a central information center that would result in more efficient service at less cost. Records management is explained and advantages of a merger are described. (28 references) (LRW)

These two articles examine library activities in Ethiopia. One describes the information and documentation services of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies Library, including its publications, conferences, seminars, and suggestions for improvements; the second article describes Ethiopian libraries prior to 1900, which were primarily church and…

Examines interlibrary loan (ILL) charges for photocopied material at two academic libraries, the University of Arizona and the University of Nevada, Reno. Statistics were reported for separate academic units to determine which were the most active users and which were charged the most, and recommendations are made for dealing with ILL charges.…

Describes the features of the Austin Public Library that made it Library Journal's pick for the 1993 Library of the Year Award. The library's outreach programs, use of total quality management, volunteer program, and the bonds between the library and the city government are covered. (KRN)

Describes the 1992-93 activities of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) as a year of change to greater visibility and recognition for the organization. Activities are listed under the American Library Association priority areas of access to information; legislation and funding; intellectual freedom; public awareness; personnel…

Discussion of public library support systems for at-risk teens focuses on the Bay Area Library and Information System (BALIS) that was developed to improve library services to at-risk teenagers in the San Francisco Bay area. Highlights include needs assessment; staff training; intervention models; and project evaluation. (10 references) (LRW)

Discusses the application of cellular technology for cellular data communications (CDC). The cellular phone system industry and market are described; barriers to CDC are explained; CDC applications for online searchers are discussed; and problems with using CDC for online searching are reviewed, including cost, portability, ease of use, and…

Discussion of reference question negotiation by librarians focuses on a study at the Orem (Utah) Public Library that was conducted to determine how frequently the reference staff negotiated questions, how frequently negotiated questions received correct answers, and what verbal and nonverbal communication skills led to correct answers. (five…

The Apple Library (the library at Apple Computer, Inc.) currently reports to the research and development arm of the company, a relationship that has been mutually advantageous. The library has been involved in research through a library users group, a grant program, and a laboratory within the library. (MES)

Describes services offered and problems encountered at the Medina County (Ohio) District Library, winner of the Gale Research/Library Journal Library of the Year Award. Highlights include resisting pressure from the religious right to limit children's Internet access to protect them from pornography; a successful tax levy; and growth in…

Discusses the recent growth in homeschooling and offers suggestions for public libraries to support homeschoolers. Highlights include creating your own curricula; publishers who offer resources for homeschoolers; use of the Internet; and examples of books and series, grouped by subject, of materials particularly suited for homeschoolers. (LRW)

Describes use of the contingent valuation method, a survey technique, to estimate the economic value that patrons attached to reference-desk service in the Virginia Commonwealth University library. Argues that the appropriate measure of patron benefit from reference service includes use value and option value. (Author/LRW)