Illinois libraries and library districts should be aware of the employment "at-will" doctrine in their hiring, firing, and employment policy decisions. Because changes in the law require greater scrutiny of employment manuals and policies, recommendations are made for reducing administrative burdens, record keeping, reviewing employment…

Examines an effective response to library or archive theft and vandalism of valuable materials: the restricted access reading room. Discusses the need for an alert staff, user identification, restriction of carry-in items, electronic surveillance, record keeping, limits to quantities of collection materials, exiting procedure, photocopying, theft…

A regional library model policy statement on circulation of potentially controversial materials to school districts is presented. The procedure utilized to make service areas aware of these materials and to facilitate communication between principals and the regional library on how these materials will be dispensed to teachers is also presented.…

The International Federation of Library Associations' Section on Document Delivery and Interlending researched fax policies, highlighted problems of fax requests, and listed recommendations for improvement. Provides the guidelines on using fax for interlending requests which emerged from this research, and emphasizes the policies and procedures of…

Discusses the use of signs in libraries and lists 12 steps to create successful signage. Highlights include consistency, location, color, size, lettering, types of material, user needs, signage policy, planning, in-house fabrication versus vendors, and evaluation, A selected bibliography of 24 sources of information on library signage is included.…

Provides a framework of topics that should be covered by a policy manual on cooperative reference services. It is organized into sections on mission statement, administration, delivery of services, and evaluation of services, and is intended for use in conjunction with existing RASD (Reference and Adult Services Division) documents. (Author)

Describes how to use effective signage, or visual guidance, for more efficient use of CD-ROM technology in elementary and secondary school library media centers. Setting CD-ROM policies and procedures is considered; the use of posters, brochures, flowcharts, and other formats is discussed; and examples are included. (LRW)

Provides information to help historical organizations, archives, and libraries organize, evaluate, and preserve photographic records. Discusses the identification and dating of photographic processes, motion picture film, videotape, and enclosures; reviews storage environments, collection policies, appraisal and access issues; and presents a list…

Presents guidelines and a self-assessment questionnaire that were developed by the New York Library Association for libraries serving users with hearing impairments. Areas covered by the documents include policy statements, materials, services, programing, cooperation with other agencies, facilities, and staff development. (LRW)

Discusses the development of copyright policies for school districts and colleges and universities. Purposes of a copyright policy are explained; differing interpretations of the copyright law are considered; and topics which should be included in policies are listed, including copyright prohibitions, liability, copyright manual, and appropriate…

Points out some of the library media center policies that have changed because of technology. Highlights include the following: standards-based policies, legal issues, key American Library Association policies from the 1998 Information Power guidelines, suggestions for creating policies, and adoption of policies by the appropriate governing body.…

Libraries' commitment to open access can jeopardize personal safety. Violent incidents are increasing in libraries due to factors such as evening hours, variety of clientele, and flaws in building design and materials arrangement. This article provides ideas on how to create a safer library environment and on factors to consider when preparing…

Describes building security procedures developed at the Hampton Public Library (Virginia) to deal with problem patrons. Highlights include need for the library monitor program; staffing patterns; monitor selection criteria; training procedures; library behavior guidelines; library policy statements; theft detection systems; and sample job…

Describes the organizational goals and training objectives of the staff development policy; areas of training; training programs; broadening staff experience through participation in library activities; the role of total quality management; the staff development group; continuing professional development; and budget. Includes guidelines for staff…

Offers a detailed overview of accreditation standards, criteria, and procedures used by one specialized accreditor; and suggests ways to be prepared for site visits and reports. A directory of 73 specialized accreditors and a brief bibliography are appended. (18 references) (Author/SLW)