Describes a visit by American children's librarians to the Soviet Union for a formal colloquium on children's library services. The Soviet attitude toward children as reflected in the quality of facilities, services, and research is discussed, and the benefits of such cultural exchanges are stressed. (CLB)

Discussion of the role of public libraries in socioeconomic development focuses on an evaluation of the existing library system in Istanbul (Turkey) and proposes a plan for its balanced development with respect to population distribution and technological advances. Highlights include building design, library automation, and financial…

Compares and contrasts the experiences and perceived roles of librarians and architects in the library-design processes of recently completed branch public libraries in three library systems in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia. Discusses the project team, site selection, architect selection, library interiors, and information…

Developed by the Task Force on Public Library and Library System Standards and Guidelines, these general standards are designed to give local planners a useful tool with which to assess their own unique programs of service and establish direction for future development. A section on planning and the public library considers (1) imperatives for…

The "information revolution" has brought in its wake a reassessment of the role and function of the traditional school library. The possibilities opened up by the new technologies have combined with new approaches to teaching and learning so that the library is no longer a mere repository of books to be visited when classes are over;…

A federally funded Library Training Institute was held to explore the user/system interface in academic libraries. The institute was composed of 50 librarians including 20% administrators, 20% educators, and 60% public services librarians. Speakers from a number of disciplines including sociology, psychology, criminal justice, and marketing…

The theme of this working conference, Libraries Without Walls, was explored by representatives of business, labor, government, education, community organizations and libraries. Recommendations were made for the more effective use of libraries in providing information for the entire community. The problems, proposals and recommendations of thirteen…

A study of the Besore Public Library was conducted to determine if the library was meeting the needs of the Greencastle-Antrim area of Pennsylvania, to define areas of unmet needs, and to recommend improved programs and services. Information about the community--demographic characteristics, social structure, commercial characteristics, and future…

Describes the impact of reduced budgets on British university libraries in the areas of acquisitions, staffing, services, buildings, and library cooperation. The effects of changes in the funding and organization of universities on the library's role within the university are also discussed. (9 notes with references) (CLB)

Universities worldwide are reconfiguring their campus environments to respond to the emerging pedagogy within higher education with its emphasis on self-directed, collaborative, and problem-solving approaches to learning. In particular, there is an emphasis on forming "learning communities." In this context libraries are increasingly…

The first of five chapters in this master's thesis examines the current status of media facilities and historical factors that have contributed to their development. An analysis of the design of media facilities following the principle of "form follows function" begins in the second chapter, which expounds a theoretical model of the…

This guide is designed to assist librarians and administrators both in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their public library service to youth and in making immediate and long range plans to reach desired goals. The standards provide a basis for understanding the scope and purpose of youth services. A philosophical statement on service…

Description of aggressive education program initiated at Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library highlights the library's environment; administrative configuration; staffing issues (recruitment, training); facilities, including 13 microcomputers and computer projects; materials production; program development; marketing;…

The school library exists to support the educational work of a school in three main ways: by providing the opportunity for children to be taught and learn for themselves research and independent learning skills; by exposing children to a broad range of literature in order to promote reading for pleasure and to produce children who want to read;…

Presents an interview with two librarians who are participating in joint-use projects, one between a public library and a school library, and one between a public library and an academic library. Personnel, commingling collections, changing library roles, and governance boards are considered. (LRW)