This discussion of the cost efficient allocation of time in public libraries highlights time as a "fee," the cost of time, time and public library use, Sunday hours and time, cost of Sunday hours, the flextime factor, and use of Sunday hours. Eight sources are given. (EJS)

Presents suggestions to librarians for helping patrons who want to perform their own online searches. Background information, end user training, equipment (hardware and software), continuing help, and document delivery are discussed. Ten references are included. (EJS)

Discussion of the homeless in American public libraries focuses on harmless individuals who may be considered nuisance by library staff/patrons. Highlights include literature about problem library patrons, national problem, social issues, major themes (offense to others and library staff, balancing rights, and elitism), and implications for…

Describes the growth, rationale, and operation of a no-charge cooperative formed in 1982 by group of small Australian health science libraries to combat rising costs of interlibrary loans (GRATIS), and its South Australian equivalent (GRATISSA). Membership, coverage, features, problems, applications, and future developments are noted. Nine…

Describes the conversion of card catalog records at William Jasper Kerr Library, Oregon State University, to an online system. Discussion covers the use of OCLC and student assistants, procedures and specifications, and problems associated with massive retrospective conversion needs and uncertain budget allocations. Eight sources are recommended.…

Seven articles provide reactions to the lead essay on the topic of library reference work. Highlights include quality and quantity, prestige, making appointments, staffing patterns, reduction in hours at reference desk, tasks for non-reference desk hours, professionalization, innovation, evaluation, fees, and gender makeup of librarianship.…

Suggestions for the establishment of a puppet performance center highlight: how to begin (tap natural inclinations of student, set aside spot); how to set up a show center; necessary materials; planning a show; special effect puppets; and the audience for the performances. Five further resources to consult are included. (EJS)

Founded in 1894 to support museum research, the Field Museum of Natural History Library specializes in fields of anthropology, archaeology, botany, geology, palaeontology, and zoology. A rich serials collection and numerous special collections serve both the scientific community and wider public as noncirculating reference collection and through…

This article describes the history of the Museum of Science and Industry Library (Chicago, Illinois) and its services, collections, and facilities. Emphasis on educational and children's materials is discussed. Statistics provided include date founded, director, collection and staff size, and main subjects collected. (EJS)

Description of a special library housed in world's largest indoor aquarium highlights history of aquarium and library; the collection supporting animal care-taking, reference, and research activities; archives; computer capabilities; users (primarily staff) and services; and networking and cooperation. Date founded, director, collection and staff…

This discussion of the problem of funding college and university media centers outlines the general categories of available support, assesses current prospects of attracting funds for instructional technology in higher education, and explores the implications that a media center poses for a library's internal budget policy. Twenty-nine references…

Describes an exercise for California high school seniors which reviews basic library skills. Positive impact of exercise use on study-locational skills scores of the California Assessment Program Survey of Basic Skills is illustrated through a review of test scores from 1977 to 1984. (MBR)

A survey of University of Sydney library users shows the library holds 90 percent of the items sought, but more than a quarter of the catalog searches and almost half the shelf searches fail. Overall, 36 percent of users seeking a known item will leave without finding it. (MSE)

Book reviewed by Robert D. Stueart points out the need for organizational change in academic libaraies and suggests new organizational and work system designs and ways of incorporating them. Academic libraries are urged to begin thinking in terms of client needs, rather than organization of work into categories. (EJS)

Review of research on online public access catalogs sponsored by Council on Library Resources notes the scope and method (questionnaires administered to catalog users and nonusers in 29 participating institutions) and findings and applications (including organizational setting and computer system, catalog use and satisfaction, and implications).…