Discussion of security needs in libraries focuses on a collaborative effort between the University of Maryland libraries and the Association of Research Libraries to scrutinize and revamp security practice and policy at the College Park campus. Highlights the active role of the library staff in fostering and maintaining a spirit of security.…

In truth, many resources are removed from the collection because one parent complained, or in some cases, because it was feared that a parent would complain. It is, therefore, helpful when questions are raised about a resource to clarify the circumstances. In this article, the author discusses on what to do when resources are being questioned or…

The trustee needs to continue the traditional responsibility of fulfilling a public trust and, in addition, must accept the new commitments to meet the services people are demanding. Economically and practically, this means learning to think in terms of total library service to the community, the region, the state and even the nation. This…

Discusses several topics to be considered in the formation of a library publications policy: types of publications, responsibility for them, intended audience, provision for updating contents, source of support staff, cataloging and copyright decisions, and procedural concerns. Includes a review of literature on the value of library handbooks and…

Explains the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) which was developed to solve problems of digital library interoperability on the World Wide Web. Topics include metadata; HTTP; XML; Dublin Core; the OAI Metadata Harvesting Protocol; data providers; service providers; reference linking; library policies; shared semantics; and name authority systems.…

Evaluation of library service effectiveness is defined in terms of providing objective information to library policy makers and program managers on the effectiveness and cost of alternatives, as well as existing programs and services. The elements of policy and program evaluation are discussed and the need to view evaluation as a continuous…

Describes the responsibilities and recommended qualifications of a youth services department head. The importance of attention to statistics and library policy is emphasized. (MES)

Description of a program sponsored by the University of Arizona's Office of Arid Land Studies to improve management of information resources of the Ministry of Planning of Niger covers: (1) assessment of existing services; (2) operational policy development; (3) implementation of a computerized cataloging system; (4) the organizational plan; and…

Examines issues related to selection and censorship in five public libraries in Southern California in order to document public librarians' selection practices and to determine whether library policy and procedure assist librarians when confronted with challenges from the community. Explores issues of self-censorship in selection and community…

Librarians often cringe when they hear the word copyright, when it is combined with electronic reserves the immediate impulse is to run away as far and as fast as possible. This paper presents the process used by the Armacost Library staff at the University of Redlands to develop and implement a copyright policy for the electronic reserve…

The Urban Libraries Council's (ULC) Fast Facts Surveys are not intended to be scientific studies of the library community; rather, they are "snapshots" on topics of current interest. The topic of this survey is fees for library services. A total of 64 surveys were mailed to 1993 ULC member libraries in February 1993; 49 surveys were…

This document reports the results of the first comprehensive analysis of the effects of Federal funds on public library services in the United States. Using a case-study approach, a team studied Federally funded public-library projects in 11 states, interviewing State library agency and local public library personnel in each state. The results of…

This paper examines the topic of policy analysis and draws upon the recently developed Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Management Review and Analysis Program which is a guide to conducting a self-study of an academic library's management and organization. The program was designed by the Management Studies Office and is presently being…

The behavior problems arising from an open library" policy at an elementary school are explored via an exchange of letters between the librarian and a psychologist. (NH)

Discusses charging users for public library services, library costs, and the financial structures that influence public library policy. (CHC)