For over a half a century, State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) have played a key role in the development and delivery of library services in the United States. While the organization and responsibilities of these agencies vary from state to state, they have two things in common: state-level planning for library services and…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is committed to bringing together museums and libraries across the country for conversations dedicated to developing a better understanding of the roles of libraries and museums as providers of public service to communities. The Future of Libraries and Museums in the 21st Century Planning…

Libraries of government departments provide information to policymakers, to government staff and employees, and, sometimes, to the general public. It is essential that libraries of government departments are organised and managed so as to collect and provide the information most needed by government decision makers, government workers, and the…

Ways in which academic libraries can contribute to strengthening the educational system are examined, and obstacles to be overcome or circumvented are considered. Primary focus is on the generic academic library. An overview is presented on what is known about libraries and learning, and the use of library resources. Several seminal studies are…

This quarterly issue focuses on the role of New York state agency libraries in meeting the information needs of state officials and residents. The first four papers include "State Library Agencies: An Overview," based on a 1982 survey with 19 respondents (Lucille C. Whalen); "Extending the State Library's Information Services to…

The December 1985 program session of the Library of Congress Network Advisory Committee (NAC) focused on determining the effectiveness of networking, identifying a common vision or goal, and developing a strategy to accomplish that goal. The program session included remarks on the role of the regional networks in national networking by Louella V.…

This report presents the findings of a survey of New York State Library System administrators and governors designed to provide an empirical benchmark of opinion within the New York State library system and to aid in discussion, evaluation, and planning at the library systems conference. Survey data were collected by means of telephone interviews…

This report describes the work of the Community Information and Referral (CI&R) Services Task Force, which was appointed by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) to investigate the status of CI&R in libraries and social service agencies and to make recommendations regarding the appropriate role for libraries…

Prepared by the Task Force on Library Legislation appointed by Wisconsin's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, this final report presents policy statements and action recommendations addressing issues related to the organizational and funding problems of public libraries, public library systems, and multitype library cooperation. The…

Prepared as an outline of the long range Michigan library development program, as required by the Library Services and Contruction Act (LSCA), this document presents goals, objectives, and procedures for extending, improving, and strengthening library services to unserved and underserved segments of the Michigan library population from 1983 to…

Noting difficulties experienced by small to medium sized colleges in acquiring integrated library computer systems, this position paper outlines issues related to the subject with the intention of increasing familiarity and interest in integrated library systems. The report includes: a brief review of technological advances as they relate to…

Discussion of efforts by federal, state, and local government agencies to enhance the library resources and services available to older citizens highlights the roles of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) and the Administration on Aging (AoA), cooperative agreements, and descriptions of state and local programs.…

This report summarizes the 2.5-year process of the development and implementation of the New Jersey Library Network, including the formation of six Regional Library Cooperatives, hiring of staff members, and detailed regional planning. Following introductory material which includes listings of the members of the New Jersey State Board of Education…

Designed to encourage discussion of technology and U.S. government information policies and a clearer understanding of how the characteristics of electronic formats affect the availability of information, this report focuses on the implications for the library, education, and research communities that have heretofore assumed some responsibility…

This review of the current status of combined school-public (community) libraries in Vermont acknowledges that, while on the surface the concept appears to be just the answer for many communities with limited funds and other resources, it also raises many questions about the nature of library service to a community. The paper provides: (1) a brief…