Describes experiences of a public library with eight microcomputers available to the public, highlighting purchasing decisions; microcomputers for children, young adults, and adults; problems; scheduling; and the value of the microcomputers. (EJS)

Argues for changes within the library community to better serve the information needs of the ethnic community. (EF)

Defines and describes formal cooperative library reference services and discusses the major variables that produce differences in cooperative reference networks: size, composition, funding, services, delivery mechanisms, control methods, and resources. (Author/LLS)

Since 1945 many library developments have taken place in the Pacific Islands. The greatest strides have been made in Fiji and Papua New Guinea, which have benefited from the investment placed in educating and training librarians. The lack of trained personnel, however, still remains as an obstacle to library development. (Author/LLS)

Briefly reviews the current developments in public access catalogs and poses questions for the public service librarian. (FM)

Discusses the effects of technology and networking on rural public library service in the future, and describes how these effects will improve the quality and accessibility of service to rural citizens. (FM)

Proposes the utilization of catalogers and other professional staff, rather than nonprofessionals, to augment reference librarian staffing. Shrinking reference staffs and lengthening service hours have created personnel shortages at the reference desk. Arguments for and against the proposal are examined. (RAA)

Presents the text of the report's transmittal message by the President to the Congress. It stresses the importance of libraries, identifies specific responsibilities of the federal government, characterizes the needs of the disadvantaged, and encourages the use of new information techniques. (RAA)

Discusses some common issues which face all states in determining the extent and style of library services for blind and physically handicapped individuals. (Author/LLS)

Reviews the history of the bookmobile operations of Seattle's King County Library System, noting the events that forced the development of the bookmobile into a "Traveling Library Center," and describes the success of this new service. (JD)

Argues that some reference librarians, often without knowing it, have become fact-totems--people who have made objects of worship out of facts. In suggesting an antidote to this "Gradgrind pedagogy," the author critically reviews some "reference" books. (JD)

Initiates a new state emphasis for the column by highlighting recent public library programs and services for adults in Florida. Music, photography, and women's programs offered by the Leon County Public Library are described in more detail. (JD)

Suggests that adaptation to new types of library services may require administrations to alter organizational structures and personnel management practices. A list of references is provided. (FM)