This publication reports on research conducted to follow up on a 1997 survey of public libraries and the Internet, co-sponsored by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science and the American Library Association. The 1998 survey is based on a sample of 2,500 of the nation's 15,718 public library outlets. The survey found that…

This annual conference, with over 25 speakers and 200 attendees, provided an opportunity for information professionals to discuss their experiences and concerns related to computer networking. The papers presented in this proceedings focus on providing network access, training network users, and incorporating networked information into library…

Over 60 members of the State University of New York at Stony Brook faculty and staff worked for almost a year to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the University Libraries, the first phase of which is presented here. The process, which began in the spring of 1991, consisted of three phases: (1) Organization--meeting of the planning team…

Discusses staff development opportunities for school librarians and teachers to improve skills in meeting the needs of disabled students. Discusses results of a four-year study which evaluated school library services to disabled students in Australia and emphasizes the need for staff development programs that include policy formation, collection…

This investigative study, through a questionnaire survey, was conducted to determine if public libraries in Ohio saw a need for library programs/outreach to the homeless, and if, indeed, any libraries had a structured program to serve the special needs of the homeless population. One library from each Ohio county was selected through systematic…

Selection and evaluation of electronic resources have prompted school librarians and media specialists to examine collection development guidelines and procedures. This article discusses criteria for selection and evaluation of CD-ROMs to meet the needs of the library, teachers, students, and curriculum. Includes forms for courseware description…

Discusses collection development and acquisitions in virtual, or networked, libraries. Topics include electronic versus digital libraries; philosophical issues of library acquisition; user expectations, including wants and needs; strategic planning, including resource sharing agreements, retrospective conversion, and staff training; collection…

The process of selecting and maintaining the collection for the community consumes much of the staff's time in public libraries. Small libraries with fewer staff have less time for these activities. This handbook enables staff to use their time most efficiently while doing specific tasks; forms, checklists, and samples are used as guides. The main…

This long range plan, which was prepared in compliance with the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), begins with an overview of the library public and the state library agency in Louisiana. Identification of needs and action plans are presented in the following goal areas: (1) improving state library administration; (2) extending services…

Now that fewer libraries are being built, it is particularly important to maximize space in the buildings available, and to ensure that library plans are determined by the needs of users. This book introduces the concept of space as a resource available to the library manager, along with stock, staff, and finance, which need managing in the same…

This paper presents the results of a four-year study conducted in primary and secondary schools from all sectors in two Australian states, Victoria and New South Wales. The study investigated the impact of inclusive schooling on the provision of library and information services to students with disabilities. Research questions were identified to…

This 5-year plan for the improvement of library service in Louisiana identifies specific existing inadequacies and presents specific goals and objectives as part of an overall plan to overcome barriers to the best possible library service in the state. It is noted that, in Louisiana, the State Library does not have administrative authority over…

This report explores the diverse ways that libraries are currently supporting distance learning, both in its traditional and newer Internet-based forms. Based on interviews with administrators and staff, the following "Reports from the Field" reflect developments in public institutions: "UNET (University of Maine System Network)…

While the general principles and techniques of collection development can be applied to most libraries, the unique characteristics of each media program produce new and changing demands requiring flexibility and creativity. Concepts from curriculum theory, children's and adolescent literature, educational technology, and library science are…

This book, written by graduate students at the Catholic University (District of Columbia) School of Library and Information Science, examines current priorities, policies, and practices of public libraries. Following an introduction, "Reinventing Libraries: Responding to the Forces of Change" (Lisa Crisman), chapters include: (1) "A…