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…

Based on a 1993 survey of 187 children's librarians in 14 states, this status report summarizes and discusses data representing input measures, output measures, fill rates, and special questions about the relationship between school and public libraries. It makes recommendations for improving the quantity and quality of data used to make decisions…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit reports results of a survey of 82 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions conducted in early 1992 in order to gather information on interlibrary loan by examining a number of operation and management changes that are occurring and the steps that might be taken to ease the pressure…

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…

Over the past two decades, an increasing number of American children are left in self-care after school each day. Parents of these latchkey children often turn to the library as a safe place for their children to go. The purpose of this study was to determine whether public libraries have responded since 1990 to the call put forward by concerned…

Discusses the findings of a national survey of public libraries that focused on service to older adults. Areas discussed include services most frequently provided, services to the institutionalized, the impact of ageism on library policies, and the extent of cooperation with other agencies. (18 references) (CLB)

Presents text from the vision statement for family friendly libraries to help citizens who are experiencing difficulties with public library system policies of the American Library Association. Describes five articles from the statement: traditional family emphasis, parental library rights, respect for standards and laws, respect for minors, and…

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…

Describes a 1988 survey of Canadian public libraries that was conducted to investigate intellectual freedom and censorship pressures and practices. Relevant institutional policies are examined, age restrictions are discussed, collection challenges are described, the libraries' responses to such pressures are studied, and further research is…

Discussion of library CD-ROM collections highlights the circulating CD-ROM collection at the Jane-Dundas branch of the City of York Public Library (Ontario). Topics addressed include titles in the collection; circulation policies, including copyright protection; CD-ROM selection; cataloging; and lending predictions for future CD-ROM libraries.…

Suggests that a definitive court ruling is needed to better define rights and responsibilities related to the First Amendment and libraries' Internet use policies so that libraries can provide a comfortable environment for users while maintaining the law. Discusses filters; court cases; claims of the anti-porn cult; research studies on how much of…

This manual discusses the issue of intellectual freedom as it pertains to library policy and practice and offers guidelines for ensuring the right to read. It is intended for the public librarian or school library media specialist who needs to develop new policies or update existing policies. The book is divided into 10 chapters. Chapter 1 looks…

Designed to assist individual public libraries in the development of policies and procedures, these guidelines include examples and/or samples of points that should be considered and addressed in a policy manual. Following a brief introduction, the guide is divided into four sections, each of which contains a set of general policy statements…

It has been observed that one historical role of the public library is serving the nation's youth. Current economic and social conditions have created the phenomenon of the "latchkey child"--the school-aged child who has no parent or guardian at home after school hours and has no alternative care arrangement. In light of this, this…

Relates experiences of public library in dealing with request for circulation records of inmate residing in county jail. Library policy, law and the prosecutor, preparing defense for refusal to comply with request, public relations, consequences of court appeals, and making the decision to comply with subpoena are discussed. (9 refernces) (EJS)