There is significant inequality in funding public libraries in Michigan, and there is every likelihood that there will be increased instability in that funding if action is not taken immediately. The objectives of this study included the following: provide an analysis of how public libraries in Michigan are currently funded; identify current…

With a decreasing federal presence, the public library must proactively develop its own presence in the National Information Infrastructure. This article examines current federal policy and new roles for libraries in ensuring connectivity, and offers recommendations for implementing both. Contains a summary of policy initiatives and strategies for…

This report provides an evaluation of the Online at PA Libraries project which was initiated in the Fall of 1996 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Office of Commonwealth Libraries and the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit. The report documents that the following goals were accomplished: (1) provide public access to the Internet through…

Presents a model for the development of statewide levels of adequacy for public libraries. Recent developments affecting the profession's thinking about standards are reviewed, various dimensions of the concept of standards are discussed, and issues that remain to be resolved are identified. (Author/JD)

Presents a planning guide for implementation of online services at a public library, consisting of: (1) identification of public service goals and online reference objectives, (2) needs assessment, (3) manipulating the political environment, (4) project description, (5) time schedule, (6) preliminary budget, and (7) evaluation. (SW)

Coauthor of two widely cited manuals on public library planning and evaluation says continued reliance on the works may be detrimental and suggests five additional areas to include in a revised planning manual: future visioning; locally developed service roles; planning for technology; managing evaluation data; and community needs assessment.…

Reports on a study that assessed key issues affecting public library roles in the use of nonbibliographic Internet information services and explored possible future roles for public libraries in the National Research and Education Network (NREN). (19 references) (EA)

This report discusses selected issues regarding public library Internet connectivity, costs, and use. It discusses the implications of the "1997 Public Libraries and the Internet" study and presents policy recommendations related to the study's findings. This report suggests the importance of federal policy and library management in…