Extra-library information services are helping libraries find solutions to the problems created by the changes in the information environment, the demand for current information, and the media by which the knowledge is distributed. There are three types of these services: (1) document handling systems, (2) data handling systems, and (3)…

In attempting to reappraise the role of Pennsylvania district center libraries, this field study focused on: the actual use made of the libraries, the effects of distance on use, and the relationship between use and the socioeconomic characteristics of library users. Methodology involved the study of 10 representative district library centers,…

The purpose of this institute, attended by librarians, trustees, library school faculty and students, and representatives from Headstart and other programs, was to describe the environment of the disadvantaged, to define the role of the public library in serving the various elements within this group, and to identify feasible services to fulfill…

This study reviews the current status of public library service in Metropolitan Dade County, Florida, with particular reference to: (1) the governing structure of the existing public library agencies; (2) the sources and levels of their financial support; (3) the available library facilities, resources and personnel; (4) the services that are…

Parent programs for the Queens Borough Public Library's Operation Head Start Program are informational in nature and presented in the form of group discussions led by library personnel. This manual provides guidelines and materials listings, developed by the Library under the direction of the Adult Services Consultant, to assist branch librarians…

A study was conducted of Polk, Yamhill, and Marion Counties in Oregon to prepare a plan for developing cooperative regional library service. Public, community college, and special libraries were visited, and residents--both users and identified non-users--were interviewed to ascertain their attitudes, interests, and needs for library service. A…

Intended to be used for comparative purposes and in the design of generalized computer programs for systems using the MARC formats for bibliographic records, this publication contains a listing in tabular form of the content designators used in the various MARC formats. Content designators are listed under Leader, Control Fields, and Variable…

In preparation for compliance with the new Copyright Act effective in January 1978, the photocopy regulations of the Act were examined and the effects of these regulations on library photocopying services were assessed. The literature concerned with the controversy over the photocopying of copyrighted works, the "fair use" doctrine, and…

This is a study on the operating efficiency of the public library system in Australia. Cost functions have been fitted to library data and the results are interpreted with a view to generating insights into the functioning of the existing library system. An exploratory cost benefit analysis has also been attempted. Activities of libraries have…

This study began as a joint venture between Trent University and Queen's University to identify any existing inadequacies in library service to part-time students, and to determine what could be done to improve access to library resources. Because of the significantly different organization of part-time studies at the two schools, two…

A summary of statistical information and user service programs provided by the Library of Congress (LC) during the 1977 fiscal year is presented. The Library's Congressional Research Service (CRS) provides immediate response to research queries from members of Congress, as well as undertaking special studies and research projects and holding…

The reference interview is one of the most delicate operations of the reference librarian. This report, which provides a review of the literature, touches on several major topics: (1) conflicts in communication initiated by lack of adequate client knowledge of the depth of the collection and reference tools available, lack of ease in formulating…

This study investigates whether or not it is possible for communities to combine school and public libraries. It concerns itself with identifying the conditions and circumstances which appear to be most conducive to combining school and public libraries, and also with identifying certain strengths, benefits, weaknesses, and limitations of combined…

This three part study is an evaluation and planning tool based on information and techniques presented in a seminar conducted in 1975-76 called "Institute on Developing Dynamic Public Library Services Responsive to Community Needs." It is a synthesis and analysis of information available about the Old Bridge Township community and library services…

Reported is the experimantal implementation of a new approach, called Telebook, for delivering Talking Book materials via telephone to blind readers. It is explained that the system involves immediate, low cost, electronic delivery of recorded materials in response to individual telephone requests. Evaluation of the system, implemented in the…