Public libraries were indispensable resources for newcomers during the height of European immigration to the United States. They were havens for the poor and jobless during the Great Depression and bridges between rural and urban communities during times of major demographic change. An increase in the Spanish-speaking population has inspired…

Discusses library role in providing access to information on political candidates and issues. Press coverage, political party literature, Federal Election Commission, interest groups, monographs, serials, and online databases are highlighted. Lists of 15 references, 89 national organizations that rate members of Congress, and 9 active political…

The librarian's role in bringing order and understanding to the drug dilemma is described. (Author)

Discusses 10 misconceptions that publishers have about libraries. Issues include library book budgets; purchasing paperbacks, multiple copies, best sellers versus reference books, and books as opposed to software/hardware; sources of information on new publications; promotional events; and different functions of libraries and bookstores. (JKP)

Presents results of a study on user needs, sources used, and search successes. Illustrates that despite increasing competition from other information sources available to the public--such as consumer media and the Internet--libraries are still a primary source of information and education for the American public. (AEF)