Describes how, over three years, teachers, students, parents, and administrators of a girls' school in India built a school library, going from a small locked-up collection with no check-out system to a warm and busy library room that was a popular hub of activity at the school, with a dynamic and expanding collection and a full-time librarian.…

Describes the new facilities at the New York Public Library, the British Library, and the National Library of France, including reference service, delivery time for books, and general ambience. Also reports on a conference that addressed issues related to scholarly communication and digital technology in the academic community. (LRW)

The Dallas Public Library surveyed 21 surrounding public library systems to help identify barriers that limit children's use of public libraries. Describes identified barriers, examines causes of the barriers, and offers possible solutions. Tables present study results and list discontinued and current library outreach programs. (JMV)

Describes how the physical environment of the library at Saint Mary's University (Halifax) was developed into a more welcoming and inviting space. Highlights include the use of student marketing projects to examine perceptions of the library, including student surveys; raising its profile within the university community; and enhanced services.…

Examines the importance of understanding how and why academic libraries are changing, analyzes the limitations and difficulties of traditional library performance measures, and explores environmental factors that may help account for why library use is changing. Discusses how user behavior and preferences affect demand for and use of library…

Traces developments in China's academic libraries: managing human resources, restructuring library developments, revising and implementing new policies, evaluating services and operations, establishing library systems, building new structures, and exploring joint-use library models. Major focus was to improve services for library user. (Author/LRW)

A study of 656 undergraduates at the University of Iowa assessed resource and service needs, identified library-wide unmet needs, and engaged library users and librarians in proactive dialog. Recommends improving physical facilities and staff perceptions, increasing public service desk staffing and public awareness of services and resources, and…

"Community involvement," the standard cliche, does not come close to capturing the spirit and action that have structured the building, programs, collections, and services of the Haines Borough Public Library (HBPL), AK. Those achievements make HBPL the winner of the first annual award for the Best Small Library in America, cosponsored…

In this article, the author describes how the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) struggled with a fraction of its former staff, limited hours, and a massive fundraising challenge after Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. While previously 171 people staffed locations, only 40 employees plus a smaller--and shifting--cadre of…

The data published in this volume were taken from the 1993 Annual Reports submitted by public libraries in Texas. This volume contains only local library statistics, county statistics, and summary data for the state and for the 10 library systems. Directory information and summary statistics formerly published in the statbook are contained in…

Statistics about public and association libraries in New York State are compiled from information supplied by libraries and systems throughout the state. The following tables provide information about the 734 libraries in the systems and the 2 that are not system members: (1) Comparative Study; (2) System Summary (including Public Outlets); (3)…

Many public libraries in the United States have undertaken the planning process suggested by the Public Library Association. They have incorporated into their mission statements some of the Association's eight basic library service roles as local priorities. This study explored the relationship between the chosen service role of 12 public library…

This document presents testimony and prepared statements concerning Title II (Library Programs) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and addresses ways in which to enhance and strengthen the resources and roles of academic libraries and information technology. Those giving testimony and/or providing prepared statements are the following: Richard…

This practical manual provides useful, concrete ideas and suggestions to help public libraries make libraries more accessible to persons with disabilities. Most suggestions are for persons who have difficulty with mobility. Reviews of pertinent laws and regulations are followed by concrete, step-by step suggestions for planning for accessibility,…

These guidelines are intended to orient the library/archives professional in New York to the common issues, language, pitfalls, and opportunities involved in dealing with the built environment and its impact on the conservation and preservation of a valuable collection. Although developed for the climate typical in New York State, many aspects…