Describes resources available to librarians that provide references to government publications, presents sample reference questions and answers, and discusses the use of shared printed and human resources to aid in access to government information. (CLB)

This detailed overview of the concept of the information broker covers the following topics: (1) emergence and development of the concept; (2) services offered; (3) clientele; and (4) fee policies. Public sector libraries as information brokers and the future of information brokering are also discussed. Sixty-two references are listed. (MES)

Describes a study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education which identified 62 outstanding library programs and lists 22 model school library programs and 16 programs serving school systems. Topics discussed include the search process, selection criteria, school library programs, cooperation, innovations, technology, and the catalog that…

Theme article on developing local history collections in public libraries begins with a discussion of collection development, and continues with sections on technical services, the library environment, staffing, programing, and marketing. A bibliography and directories of used and rare book dealers, genealogical publishers, professional…

Examines the background and development of a comprehensive plan designed to improve library service in Pennsylvania. The ACCESS Pennsylvania agenda is described, together with obstacles to its success, particularly funding problems. The effects of the agenda on special libraries are also discussed. (3 references) (MES)

Discusses the significance of the reference interview and the need for better communication between Black students and White librarians. Sensitivity and understanding of Black behaviors are recommended as ways of building trust between librarians and students. (52 references) (MES)

Reports on a survey of advertising agency libraries and compares results of the current study with similar surveys from 1954 and 1969. Characteristics of the parent agency, organizational status and location, budgets, users, staff, collections, indexes and databases, reference books, and library services are the areas addressed. Data are presented…

The American Library Association (ALA) 1987 Midwinter Conference was characterized by process, particularly the new planning process which threatens to drain ALA's money and leadership energy away from the substantive issues that need attention, such as the next Librarian of Congress's qualifications and services to minorities and the poor. (EM)

Contends that the interactive authoring of microcomputer software is an appropriate service for community college libraries. Lists steps in the development of such a program. Provides a sample program authored in BASIC for a learning module on the use of figurative language. (DMM)

Surveys of labor educators and academic librarians, designed to study library usage by participants in labor education, indicate that a lack of communication and understanding exists between the two departments at many institutions. Increased cooperation and library utilization are recommended. Twenty-seven references are listed, and the…

Automation of a table of contents service at the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing Library using dBase III facilitates matching patrons with journals. The program is also used for journal check-in and mailing labels. Future applications may include production of a journal holdings list, statistics, and reporting. (21 references) (MES)

As alternatives to preschool story hours, Parent-Child Learning Centers offer opportunities for parent education, hands-on activities that are appropriate for the developmental needs of the young child, more effective use of the library professional's time and skills, and expansion of library service to meet the changing needs of the community.…

Highlights the need for two-year college libraries to expand services to educationally disadvantaged persons. Explores the nature of this target group and some of the barriers to higher education they face. Considers the implications their needs have for learning resource centers and discusses some potentially effective responses to those needs.…

Suggests ways that community college librarians can improve communication with: (1) faculty, including new faculty, off-campus instructors, and counselors; (2) administrators; (3) peers; (4) support staff; and (5) students. Highlights communication techniques particularly useful for each group. (DMM)

As background for defining public library adult services in the 1980s the perceived role of the public library in the United States since its inception is summarized and changing definitions are analyzed. Data collection and analysis plans for the Adult Services in the Eighties Project are described. (EM)