Addresses the questions of why librarians engaged in serving children are on the defensive about the way in which they evaluate their services, and what can be done to bring children's services back into the mainstream of library thinking. (FM)

Reports the Library Association of Australia's China Library Study Tour of 15 December 1978 through 3 January 1979 which visited 11 libraries in five cities. Library services throughout China are discussed. (RAO)

Recommends that public libraries be aware of the need to develop basic preservation policies in order to safeguard local treasures and to extend the life of the collection as a whole. The importance of cooperation is asserted in the light of limited budgets. A selected bibliography is included. (FM)

Excellent public relations come from excellent library services. (Author)

Gives a brief history of prison library services in the U.S. Points out specific problems with prison libraries and suggests that more action be taken to improve prison library services. (AP)

How to go about using the public library in learn-it-yourself experiences. (WL)

As congressional library supporters retire, establishing new commitments for library services and funding is a priority for advocates. Highlights retiring library champions in Congress, their contributions, and current congressional librarian, Representative Major Owens. Suggests ways to secure more support--educating legislators about libraries,…

Presents two reports, one from the National Endowment for the Humanities that discusses public-private partnerships, federal-state partnerships, and preservation and access projects, and includes a directory of state humanities councils; and one from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Library Programs that describes state programs,…

Explains the concept of an information commons in academic libraries which provides a public computing center with both library and computing support, focusing on staffing, and describes the transition at the University of Southern California library from separate reference and software consulting desks to a fully integrated model of services.…

These introductory remarks by Robert S. Martin, the director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), briefly summarize the role of IMLS and the purpose of the White House Conference on School Libraries. (MES)

Explains why libraries need to move beyond the limitations of their old technology when they move to new computer systems with wider boundaries. Describes how to change the work flow by focusing on time factors, including implementation; coordination for staff and departments; patience; reports; and improving public services. (LRW)

Discussion of the Library Bill of Rights focuses on paternalism and the dangers of Internet filtering, in response to a previous article that advocated revision of the Bill of Rights. Topics include ethical presuppositions; censorship; philosophical foundations; access; social contract theory; and utilitarianism. (LRW)

Discusses the role of the prison library and the appropriateness of applying the public library model in prisons. Problems with staffing in prison libraries and deficiencies caused by a lack of statewide coordination are cited. Financial support, security, literacy programs, innovative services, and social responsibility are also considered. (25…

Reviews the status of photostats and microfilm at the New York Public Library, including evaluations of the demand for each and the relationship between the two forms during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Reasons why the two forms continue to coexist--even though it was predicted that microfilm would replace photostats--are discussed. (24…

Chronicles the history of the Dallas Public library and the life of Siddie Joe Johnson, a children's librarian at the library from 1938 to 1965. Topics addressed include library collections and facilities; Johnson's innovative programing for children, including creative writing groups and book parades; and her publications. (eight references) (MES)