This illustrated publication, printed in both English and Finnish, describes Finland's libraries and information services. Topics covered include: (1) library users; (2) the conceptual role of the library; (3) the growth and development of the library system through Finland's agrarian, industrial, and budding infotech social phases; (4) the…

Academic reference librarians can enhance the campus cultural diversity of colleges and universities by displaying sensitivity at the reference desk; understanding multicultural group behaviors; avoiding stereotyped attitudes; appreciating a wide range of cognitive style differences; striving to make multicultural students feel comfortable;…

This survey of the current status of public school libraries in Maine was intended to provide statistical data as a basis for improving the school library media center program in these schools. Information was gathered that detailed how resources and delivery of services differed across grade level; across variation in size of school; between…

This document consists of the two issues of the biannual serial "Rural Libraries" published during 1992. The issues contain three articles and seven speeches and conference papers. The articles describe: (1) how strong community support led to the development of a library on the Glasgow campus of Western Kentucky University; (2) a report of the…

A study of the information needs of rural services clientele was undertaken in New Mexico to define the services that the state library should provide. A survey about information needs was prepared and mailed to post office box holders, randomly selected, in rural areas of the state. In all, 1,200 surveys were distributed. Responses were received…

Characteristics of periodical use at a small liberal arts college were studied using a methodology aimed at providing a more accurate system for data collection by recording all the periodicals used in an entire semester. In the John J. Wright Library at La Roche College (Pennsylvania), circulation records were consulted, and one person while…

In 1937, the Michigan Library Association recommended to the Legislature that state funding be provided to public libraries and that a state board for libraries be appointed. In 1965, Public Act 286 established 24 library systems whose membership comprised approximately one-third of the public libraries in the state. Under Public Act 89 of 1977,…

This paper reports on a study in which case studies of two adult writing programs in northeastern Ohio were developed to identify and describe elements that make up the programs. Data was gathered through obtrusive observation, interviews, and questionnaires. Both programs had been on going for at least 5 years. The "Geauga Writers…

The purpose of this study was to obtain descriptive information about the nation's public library connectivity, use, and costs related to the Internet. The study gathered data from a national sample of public libraries from the period between May and July 1997. Unlike the 1994 and 1996 students, the 1997 study drew a new library sample that…

This directory provides information about various types of Michigan libraries. The directory is divided into 14 sections: (1) "Alphabetical List of Public and Branch Libraries Whose Names do Not Indicate Their Location"; (2) "Public and Branch Libraries"; (3) "Library Cooperatives"; (4) "Academic Libraries";…

This annual report of the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) contains a list of funders and sponsors, and includes a message from the president. The major CLIR programs are described: (1) Preservation and Access, including international projects in South Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe; (2) Digital Libraries, including…

Nine Canadian health libraries participated in a pilot test of the Benchmarking Tool Kit between January and April, 1998. Although the Tool Kit was designed specifically for health libraries, the content and approach are useful to other types of libraries as well. Used to its full potential, benchmarking can provide a common measuring stick to…

This article reports the findings of a library user satisfaction survey of graduate students conducted by the library staff at South Carolina State University. The survey evaluated the effectiveness of the library's programs, resources, and services in meeting the informational needs of graduate students at this institution. The objectives of the…

Intended for use by participants in the Ohio Preconference and the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS), this background paper on one of the three major WHCLIS themes examines Ohio's literacy problem and reviews the state's current literacy programs and funding sources. Definitions of terms, a brief history of…

Libraries have played an important role in developing and operating programs which enhance English-language skills and ease assimilation into U.S. society. This report presents descriptions of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) grants which funded library programs and projects benefitting individuals with limited English-speaking…