The objective of this document is to provide a tool for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of library services to prisoners. The document is intended to serve as a model guide for the development of national guidelines for prison libraries that can be adapted to reflect local circumstances. At the same time, these international…

The purpose of this study was to find out how school and public libraries were performing as education providers and how well they were responding to the country's urgent demands for school improvement. This general audience report summarizes the results of the assessment of school and public libraries. It discusses staffing and patronage, the use…

The formulation of a design for a library reference desk is discussed, basic planning considerations, height, and measurements of the desk, lighting and chairs, placement of the desk, prebuilt components, and evaluation. A six-item bibliography is included. (EJS)

Describes outreach services at the Calgary Public Library, Canada which are designed to meet the needs of disabled and elderly patrons. Space requirements, library equipment, staffing, and services offered are discussed. Five references are listed. (EJS)

Discusses how library technology initiatives fit into local organizational contexts to meet the needs of users; examines the conditions existing prior to local initiatives and how organizations have responded; and presents organizational models for technology in the humanities. Highlights the electronic text initiative at Pennsylvania State…

Providing service to visually impaired persons can provide a special challenge to librarians. This article provides suggestions on making libraries more accessible. Both technological solutions and staff training are addressed. (Author)

Discusses design elements of a 21st century school library, including space, books and shelving, seats, tables, technology (computers, scanners, projectors), building materials (wood, metal, plastic, paint, glass, fibers), and light and color. A sidebar describes the L!BRARY initiative to creatively design, professionally staff, and…

Provides answers to some commonly asked questions about furniture and interior space utilization in libraries. Examines the impact of increased computer usage on electrical, space, and reference desk requirements. Highlights specialized needs with regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act and air quality standards. Discusses shelving and chair…

Describes a study of 81 community college libraries or learning centers to determine the extent that organizational structures had changed as a result of implementing automated library systems and to explore the changing relationship between libraries and computer centers. Finds minimal changes in structures among participants. (11 citations) (MAB)

Provides advice for systems librarians facing the question of when to provide CD-ROM access and when to provide online access to databases for their patrons. Discusses price, updates, effective resource utilization, and determining users' needs. (AEF)

Describes some of the adaptive technology that is useful in a library. Highlights technologies that accommodate persons with low vision, those with learning disabilities, and the deaf and hard of hearing, and discusses screen readers and voice-output mechanisms, the Internet. Includes a selected list of adaptive-technology vendors and products and…

Compares results of a 1998 survey concerning university library support staff perceptions and opinions about technological change to results of a similar survey administered to the same population in 1988. Offers the evolving perceptions, opinions, and suggestions of these library personnel as a resource for better planning of library automation…

Reports how access to libraries in Library Power schools was provided, the changes in facilities and equipment that were made, the amounts and kinds of use that occurred, how practices and facilities were related to use, and how teacher involvement in Library Power activities related to use of the library by students. (AEF)

Managing technology has become a significant task in today's school library. The library media specialist must control the inventory and optimize its use so that the school community can access and use the information it needs. Presents the following tips: documentation; processing; preventative maintenance; facilities issues; access; security;…

This study describes regional depository institutions, the organization of their document collections, the staffing of their documents departments, and factors relevant to their providing access to electronic government information. Surveys were sent to 53 regional depository libraries in March 1995. Forty-one of the 53 libraries responded (77%…