Reviews and describes the current crisis in science literacy and formulates an information-based definition of the term. Library issues and concerns are discussed, including the role of librarians in defining the information-seeking behavior of science-literate users, describing users' characteristics, and evaluating and applying appropriate…

Describes a program developed at the San Francisco Public Library to allow homeless residents to apply for library cards, and discusses concerns that had to be addressed, including loss or damage of materials, overdue materials, residency requirements, and state and local funding requirements. Cooperation with public and private service providers…

Description of community online systems focuses on a Freenet in Illinois called P.A.T.H. (Public Access to Heartland). Highlights include patron use; discussion groups and bulletin boards; electronic mail; reference questions; Freenet's place in public libraries; and sample reference questions answered by Freenet information providers. (five…

Reviews recent resources for assessing school library media programs and discusses the importance of program assessment. Circulation statistics and personal approaches to assessment are described, and the findings of three research reports on the effectiveness of school library media programs are discussed. (KRN)

Results of this study of the utilization pattern of adult public library users in Nigeria showed that the majority are students preparing for examinations who read their own books, do not borrow from the library, and are unaware of the existence of reference or audiovisual materials. The need for change is stressed. (Contains 14 references.) (EAM)

Explains how to perform a booktalk as a readers' theater script and offers guidelines for staging. Two examples are given, one for a picture book and one for a novel; and nine booktalks are provided for historical books that are suitable for adaptation as readers' theater scripts. (LRW)

Describes the use of focus group interviews by the Iowa City Public Library to determine how the libraries' business services were being used and how they could be improved. Analysis of group suggestions highlights lack of knowledge about library services, differing degrees of perceived ease of use and motivation, and time constraints. (22…

Discussion of problems in library reference services focuses on the influence of gender roles. A historical overview of gender roles in the development of American librarianship is presented that highlights stereotyped views of and attitudes toward women, which the author suggests still have influences on librarianship today. (17 references) (LRW)

Discussion of stress in library reference departments focuses on stress caused by CD-ROM reference tools. Topics discussed include work overload; nonreference duties; patron attitudes and behavior; staff attitudes; the need for proper staff training; and the need for library administrators to be sensitive to reference staff needs. (LRW)

Discussion of public library services in Africa focuses on the need to change their emphasis from urban library services to rural community library and information services. Implications for African library schools are considered, and courses for rural library and information center management are suggested. (six references) (LRW)

Discussion of qualitative and quantitative research techniques highlights the use of focus group interviews and describes their use at Purdue University to determine student user perceptions of and attitudes toward the library system. The use of the interviews as a supplement to a questionnaire survey is discussed. (20 references) (LRW)

Discusses information needs of university administrators and committees, and describes the development of an information service provided by the Electronic Information Services (EIS) unit of the Indiana State University library. Highlights include staff reactions, a pilot test, marketing the service, cost effectiveness of CD-ROM use, and document…

Provides an overview of CD-ROM networking technology in libraries. Six systems currently in operation are evaluated; operational experiences in libraries are discussed, including the need for user education; networking between CD-ROM networks and integrated library systems is described; and future possibilities are suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

Examines the involvement of public and village libraries in literacy and postliteracy programs in Africa south of the Sahara during the last two decades. Issues discussed include the extent of illiteracy in Black Africa, populations served by village libraries, African rural strategies of development, and the implications for library services. (44…

Describes interactive bibliotherapy and poetry therapy as services which use literature as a catalyst for personal growth and healing through a facilitator. Their use in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, adult education centers, prisons, and chemical dependency units is discussed; reading bibliotherapy is described; and use for spiritual growth…