This paper discusses fee-based services in public libraries. The first section examines examples of charging for public library services in three countries: the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland; and New Zealand. The intention is to consider the circumstances in which charging was introduced, the public's response in terms of the effect on…

Narrative text and 6 tables provide information about a survey of 105 libraries on materials spending: number of questionnaires sent and returned; number and percentage of libraries with a materials spending policy; how percentages were determined; average (mean) percentage spent for materials; change in percent spent for materials in recent…

The Dallas Public Library surveyed 21 surrounding public library systems to help identify barriers that limit children's use of public libraries. Describes identified barriers, examines causes of the barriers, and offers possible solutions. Tables present study results and list discontinued and current library outreach programs. (JMV)

The purpose of this guide to local history resources in Ontario (Canada) public libraries is to evaluate current trends, problems, and innovations, including the use of new technologies. The guide was developed from a survey of Southern Ontario Library System (SOLS) members; a total of 58 libraries provided information about their local history…

This handbook was designed to help Wisconsin Public Library trustees organize their thoughts, deliberations, and actions. The book is divided into three main sections: (1) Effective Public Library Trustees and Boards; (2) Planning for Effective Action by the Public Library Board; and (3) Appendixes. The purpose of the first section is to place in…

With the intention that Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds provide for the continual improvement and enhancement of all library and information services in Georgia, this five-year plan addresses the LSTA law by establishing major statewide priorities and supporting goals and activities/objectives that reflect the purposes and…

This book defines the role and obligations of the library trustee in a wide range of situations and also discusses keys to successful communication between the trustee and library director, staff, and patron. Chapters are: (1) "The Trustee in Today's World" (F. William Summers); (2) "Duties and Responsibilities of Trustees"…

This document presents standards for Utah public libraries. The benefits of standards for public libraries and for the state library are listed, and responsibilities, benefits, and characteristics of three types of public libraries (i.e., volunteer, transitional, and certified public libraries) are summarized. Specific standards in the following…

The need for a reconsideration of policy in the Utah library community is driven by three factors: (1) the success of the Upgrade Process and state development grants in developing local library service; (2) the rapid expansion of revolutionary network technology; and (3) changing patterns of federal funding. This paper focuses on specific…

This publication was created to provide guidance to public service librarians, administrators and library directors on how to improve service to African Americans throughout California, promoting literacy, and providing materials by and about African Americans for the entire library community. One of the first issues the task force identified was…

The public library board of trustees is an example of the great democratic tradition of giving authority for the operation of public agencies to members of the general public. The public library board is legally responsible for overseeing the efficient and effective operation of the public library. The board hires the library's administrator,…

Library board members are an integral part of public libraries. Because of the importance of their role, this handbook gives library trustees in Oklahoma a basic understanding of their responsibilities and power. It contains useful information about developing policy, the board/director relationship, funding, intellectual freedom, library laws,…

Thirty-two case studies illustrating problem areas and situations that develop in the modern environment of the electronic school library media program are presented for use by library science students and library/media center managers. Based on input from practicing librarians at the elementary and secondary levels, the studies are designed to…

The purpose of this guide is to help new librarians in Idaho get started at their jobs. It provides a basic overview of library administration, policy, procedure, activities, and services. The following topics are covered: library law; working with the board of trustees; formulating and writing policies and procedures; budgeting and finance;…

Assesses the distribution of poverty areas in the United States relative to public library outlet locations to begin discussion on the best possible public library funding and development policies that would serve individuals in poverty areas. Provides a comparative analysis of poverty relative to public library outlets using two common methods of…