Discusses the professional and legal responsibility of librarians to make their collections and services accessible to and usable by handicapped patrons, as well as the physical and attitudinal barriers which may exist; applicable laws, standards, and costs; and some possible methods for eliminating these barriers. (RAA)

Computer technology and data banks are making manual storage systems outdated; yet it is difficult for libraries to obtain funding for automated retrieval equipment. Five suggestions to meet funding needs are offered. The effect on publishers of the projected decrease in book use is also noted. (SW)

Explains the need for attention to library environment in terms of conservation, disaster planning, and external environmental factors. Discusses measures adopted at the University of the West Indies Trinidad related to operation and maintenance of buildings and physical plant, describes a workplace evaluation project, and examines factors…

Presents data on public library referenda for capital improvement projects and on operating levies. Highlights include package deals with other funding measures, success rates, library campaign messages, and a sidebar that details strategies used successfully by the Toledo-Lucas County (Ohio) Public Library. (Contains five tables.) (LRW)

Renovation and construction projects in 18 public and academic libraries across the United States are showcased, with 23 photographs illustrating library interiors and exteriors. Discussion centers on architecture, costs, technology infrastructure and equipment, preservation of old facilities, furniture, and library functions. (AEF)

Describes the Teen Center at the Schaumburg Township District Library (Illinois) that was built with a sports theme. Highlights include the physical environment; the library collection, mainly recreational, that includes music CDs; the young adult population and community; hours of operation; staffing; youth participation and programs; and the…

The innovative designs of three libraries are described: the Tempe (Arizona) Public Library, which emphasizes services for children and students; an underground library at Park College, Missouri; and a public library located in the Vancouver (Washington) Mall. The fourth article describes the work going on to restore the Los Angeles (California)…

Describes a colloquium on library service to children in the Soviet Union which was attended by a delegation of U.S. librarians. Distinctive features of Soviet library service are described, as well as practices shared by both countries. The colloquium recommendations for future projects are listed, and papers presented by Soviet librarians are…

Develops a cost methodology to use in deciding location, type of access, and type of shelving to augment existing stacks in the library. Library and user costs are included in the model and cost comparisons between alternative strategies are made. Data from a specific case study are used to illustrate the model. (22 references) (Author/CLB)

Provides background on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and presents guidelines for library compliance, including read the legislation; designate an employee as ADA coordinator; evaluate current policies, services, and facilities; implement changes; provide training for library staff and related groups; and solicit feedback from disabled…

Describes the renovation of the library at Walnut Hill School for the Arts (Natick, Massachusetts). Topics discussed include initial planning; packing up the collection for storage; dealing with construction delays while maintaining some library service; moving into the new space; student and teacher reactions; and the effects on library use. (LRW)

Discusses issues involved with building libraries for the future. Architect Hugh Hardy, who specializes in libraries, describes changes in the field, librarians as clients, planning procedures, unnecessary building expenses, the concept of the central reading room, library entrances, and the marks of a successful library building. (KRN)

Describes the experiences at the Williamsburg (Virginia) Regional Library when the children's department closed for two months for renovations and temporary quarters were created in a bookmobile in a nearby parking lot. Discusses technology challenges involved in hooking up computers, selecting an appropriate collection that would fit, and…

Discusses how modern library systems can protect collections while not impeding disabled persons' access to facilities. Describes the problem with swinging gates and offers some security alternatives, such as high-tech gateless security, video detection, and voice alarms, that do not impede disabled persons' movements. (RJM)

Includes eight articles that address issues related to library design and function in Australia. Highlights include renovations and redevelopments; public libraries' expansions for changing needs, including a youthspace; a joint-use university and public library; the new Australian War Memorial research center; and a new university library. (LRW)