Discusses the services of the San Francisco Public Library with respect to the effects of Proposition 13 and inflation, and describes the roles of the Main Library, the Business Branch, the Chinatown Branch, and the Communications Center. (CHC)

Discusses the importance of a well-designed library building as an important factor in creating social benefits and positive political responses in the community. The creation and implementation of design criteria for the Cleveland Public Library and the public response are described. (CHC)

Discussion of Andrew Carnegie era in American public library history focuses on library buildings financed and built in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building design which Carnegie developed, surviving Carnegie libraries in Philadelphia, procedures for obtaining a library, and comparison of architectural attractiveness of Carnegie libraries with…

Describes the current status of the Los Angeles Public Library System comprising the central library, 62 branch libraries, and 5 bookmobiles. Financial problems, the destruction of the Hollywood regional library by fire, branch library changes, and the central library building are discussed. (EJS)

A brief history of the Dallas Public Library, which first opened in 1901, highlights new central library facilities erected in 1955 and 1982; the development of branch libraries; leadership of directors Rosa Leeper, Cleora Clanton, Jim Meeks, and Lillian Bradshaw; and library programs, publications, and community outreach efforts. (EJS)

The bookmobile remains a feasible service option for both rural and urban libraries with about 1,000 currently in service nationwide. However, there is a growing need for professional attention to areas such as purchasing, evaluating, automating, and delivering bookmobile services. (LAE)

Discusses precautions which can be taken to minimize loss or damage to library buildings and collections resulting from natural disasters (fires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, storms). Preventive measures (alarm systems, interior protection), salvage efforts, restoration of collection and library facility, rebuilding collection and…

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)…

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)

Discusses the development of a research library at Rice University, whose first and only library building is less than 40 years old, highlighting the founding of the University in 1912, the Fondren Library building, library collections and cooperation, fee-based services, automation and the future, and problems and prospects. (EJS)

This discussion of America's outstanding rare book libraries notes the inception of collections, library facilities, technical difficulties, reference services, publicity efforts, and research. The John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, Clark Library of the University of California, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.…

Presents overview of state of Soviet Union library service comprising 350,000 libraries, including national, governmental department, and public group (trade unions, professional associations) libraries. Training of Soviet librarians, library cooperation, national planning and funding, cultural exchange and cooperation, supporting international…

Reviews the development of the Vatican Library from the papacy of Leo III (795-816) to the present. The current status of the library is described, including print and nonprint collections, acquisitions and major bequests, access to the collections, and programs and services offered to scholars. (CLB)

Overview of growth and progress of American librarianship from 1945 to 1970 ("Golden Age") highlights library education; expansion of American Library Association; library philanthropy; federal aid to libraries; library buildings and new technology; changes in academic, public, school, and special libraries; general trends; and end of…

Profiles the Cooper Union Library, a private academic library specializing in architecture, art, and engineering that celebrated its 125th anniversary in fall 1984. Highlights include a biographical sketch of the college's founder, Peter Cooper; construction of the building; curriculum changes; library services and materials; and cooperative and…