Library service has become a concern of government at all levels with each having its specific role to play. This introductory statement to this issue of Library Trends" indicates the major substantive areas of library legislation. (Author/NH)

This article is not intended to review the various sources of federal funds for public libraries but rather to urge public librarians to take a wider view of federal opportunities. Opportunities for legislation accessible to specific urban problems may be more available than they suspect. (NH)

Good library legislation for public libraries is broad and general, flexible, permissive, specific in the authority for tax support but not with limitations, clear, conceise and stable. Library laws of Hawaii, California and Illinois can serve as models for the other states. (NH)

A definition, and a history of the role and functions of state library development agencies since the 1890's are presented. The remaining articles in this issue, which deal with various aspects of the same subject, are summarized. (MBR)

Preparation for the conference is discussed in some detail, including identification of issues, background research efforts and Task Force work, with particular reference to library community involvement. Significant aspects of the actual conference are presented, along with Task Force recommendations and a brief account of subsequent events. (12…

Functions and form are the basis ofpast and present legislation relating to state libraries. Legislation adds to, or revises, but seldon drops any state library agency functions. The legislative shifting of functions from one government unit to another, and back again, indicates uncertainty as to which is most effective. (Author/NH)

The development of public library film services to the elderly is traced from its beginning at the Cleveland Public Library in 1941, through legislation that strengthened it, to current services, e.g., outreach programs. Guidelines for the improvement of service are included. (MBR)

This article traces how state library development agencies were affected by state and federal funds, and how they determined the pattern, volume, and utilization of funds. Relationships between state library agencies and local and federal libraries and governments between 1956 and 1977 are also explored. (Author)

An overview of the programs of library service to the blind, physically handicapped, and institutionalized is presented. State library agency coordination and funding are included. (Author/MBR)

The role of state agencies in improving school library/media programs is discussed. When federal funds were made available to states for school libraries through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, some states provided funds plus leadership for school library development. However, activity has been reduced in many states recently. (Author)

Provides a history of the Captioned Films/Videos for the Deaf program and describes the kinds of films and videos available, including feature films and educational materials. Silent films are discussed; captioning processes are described; implications for librarians are discussed; and regional depository libraries for captioned films for the deaf…

The increasingly important role of state library agencies in coordinating planning and evaluation of all types of library services statewide are discussed. Formal statements on state agency roles, and state and federal legislation on planning are also included. (Author/MBR)

Reviews the background for the continuing education role of the state library agency, the development of continuing education for libraries, the implications of these developments, current programs in progress, and trends which may indicate future change. (Author/MBR)

Chronicles the California Library Association's battle against anti-Communist censorship attempts from 1946 to 1956 in schools and public libraries as well as on the legislative front. An overview of the "Fiske report" is offered as an explanation of how intellectual freedom challenges impacted California librarians of the period.…

Describes the situations of seven European nations who presently have public lending right (PLR) systems--Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, The Netherlands, and the German Federal Republic. PLR issues in Europe are also discussed. Thirty-six references are listed. (CHC)