Discusses several topics to be considered in the formation of a library publications policy: types of publications, responsibility for them, intended audience, provision for updating contents, source of support staff, cataloging and copyright decisions, and procedural concerns. Includes a review of literature on the value of library handbooks and…

Describes a survey of public libraries that examined the phenomenon of latchkey children. Findings discussed include the estimated number of latchkey children in public libraries, effects on the library, library policies, and services provided and recommended for latchkey children. Specific recommendations to help public libraries clarify their…

Outlines the development of public library policies and relationships with local government. Discussed are the prototype library, the imbalance of funding between large and small libraries, lack of theory in library education, and implications of the collectivist theory. The need for strong leadership and evaluation of library programs is…

Discusses the development and current decline of public libraries in Egypt based on a study of international influences which helped shape national discourses about development and provided the context for policymaking and resource allocation in Egypt. The role of UNESCO is examined, and further research is suggested. (LRW)

Presents a model that calculates the conditions under which a library may adopt a highly service-oriented online catalog access policy at minimum additional cost. The use of arrival rates, service rates, and queueing calculations to arrive at a cost-effective policy is explained. (Author/CLB)

Explores the issue of intellectual freedom and the role of the library in the community, and the extent to which community attitudes and values should influence library policy. A specific incident involving a public library exhibit of materials on gay rights in Durham, North Carolina, is described. (CLB)

Describes how to use effective signage, or visual guidance, for more efficient use of CD-ROM technology in elementary and secondary school library media centers. Setting CD-ROM policies and procedures is considered; the use of posters, brochures, flowcharts, and other formats is discussed; and examples are included. (LRW)

Although a sustained campaign has been underway to preserve published materials of importance to scholarly research in the United States, there has not been a similar impetus for the preservation of unpublished materials and the kinds of collections held by archives. A systematic methodology for developing preservation priorities for archival…

For the past three decades, policies regarding a variety of information issues have emanated from federal agencies, legislative chambers, and corporate boardrooms. Records policies are critically important for records professionals to develop and use as a means of strategically managing the information and evidence found in the millions of records…

Discusses issues involved in public access to library materials and facilities and patron confidentiality. Topics discussed include children's access to adult materials; parents' right to know about their children's materials; First and Fourth Amendment protections; the Library Bill of Rights; and American Library Association (ALA) documents that…

Discusses the role of academic libraries in the face of rising costs and suggests implications for library policymaking. The nature and value of information are considered; pricing issues for serials, CD-ROM products, and online searching are described; and possible solutions are offered. (26 references) (LRW)

Considers the role of public library trustees in censorship challenges. Topics addressed include the need for clear library policies concerning censorship; informing trustees about First Amendment rights, challenges regarding problem patrons and age restrictions, the trustee as citizen as well as board member, and the board's need for appropriate…

This paper outlines the rationale for, and functions of, national library policies within African countries; discusses some of the issues raised concerning national library policies at the 1970 meeting at Kampala of the Experts on the National Planning of Documentation and Library Services in Africa and at other similar conferences; reviews the…

Intended for use by the head of reference and subject-area bibliographers at Penfield Library, this document provides guidelines for the selection and evaluation of titles for the 25,000 volume reference collection at this primarily undergraduate institution. The reference collection also supports the general information needs of both the college…

Examines demographic and economic trends of rural areas nationally, in the Northeast, and in Pennsylvania, and discusses the impact of these trends on rural library planning and services. Four options for developing rural library policy and implementing quality library services are outlined. (55 references) (CLB)