Presents strategies for promoting school community relations with a district-wide communications program. Suggests working with news media at the district level, focusing on the journalistic values of proximity, timeliness, prominence, consequence, human interest, and conflict. Discusses the roles and responsibilities of the information officer,…

This description of experiments with the use of videotex systems in British public libraries includes activities and undertakings sponsored by the British Library Research and Development Department, commercial and public videotex services in the U.K., and videotex projects initiated by library associations such as ASLIB. (JL)

Practical suggestions to assist peer counselors in making effective referrals are provided. Information needs of peer counselors as to the services they provide, their roles, and available community resources are discussed. Using effective communication skills and continuous supervision and training of peer counselors are considered. (RC)

Discusses and describes a model of an automated "catalog" of community service agencies that was created for a library information center. Topics covered include standards, bibliographic data processing systems, cataloging considerations, UWASIS (United Way of America's subject access system), and reference tools. Examples from the…

A social work teaching-learning center developed to provide more quality MSW-supervised field placements for New Mexico State University undergraduate social work students is described. The center contained two community social service agency components, an information and referral resource center, and a volunteer placement bureau. (Author/MLW)

Orientation and training of staff for information and referral (I&R) work in libraries must be based on a clear understanding of the following: 1) what I&R is as a set of tasks; 2) what knowledge, skills, and resources are needed to perform those tasks; 3) to what degree the needed knowledge, skills, and resources are already possessed by the…

The Ferguson Library of Stamford, Connecticut, uses information resources in media format as part of its community information service. (PF)

Reviews the theory, background, and general applications of hypertext and describes the design of Glasgow Online, an integrated database of information on the life and times of the city. Problems with the design of an interface for non-expert users and possible models for structuring information and establishing links are discussed. (12…

Argues that in-house database building offers possibilities for staff development, can provide important links between the library and the community, and can become important tools for local networking and cooperative collection development. Issues related to database planning, design, and testing are discussed, and several examples of existing…

The experiences of the Windsor, Ontario, Canada, chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), in its development and progress through the grief-anger-social action continuum, are described. This article also portrays a model for problem resolution which emphasizes incorporating the respective strengths and efficiencies of self-help groups and…

Outlines the development of an independent, nonprofit online community information network. Governance, information services, Internet access, development and funding, and partnerships are discussed. Community networks as local platforms for pilot projects and their value as local coalitions are explored. Sample menus and screens are included.…

Provides advice and guidelines for running a successful community newspaper. Sixteen criteria of a good local paper include reporting on all civic activities, keeping tabs on where tax dollars go, getting out to listen to community members, encouraging community dialogue, celebrating achievements, explaining the meaning of local happenings,…

Describes the development of an electronic community network created by Virginia Tech for the Blacksburg area called the Blacksburg Electronic Village (BEV). Discusses information systems; telecommunications infrastructure; Internet traffic patterns; BEV as a role model for other communities; and student participation. (LRW)

The zone sections of the Milwaukee "Journal" that go to the northeastern suburbs in Milwaukee County were compared with the community papers that originate in those suburbs in order to investigate the use of conflict and consensus news in zone sections. Hypotheses were constructed to test the validity of assumptions that there would be…

Designed to meet total community needs in a new way, the Olney project, a merger of a public and school library, points the way to single unified community libraries. The new community-wide institution has merged the book collections and the functions of both without jeopardizing the clientele service of either. The Olney Venture was based on the…