This essay addresses the trend in online searching toward increased end user access of online systems. Highlights include recent developments in end user searching (raw materials, marketing, recognition); appropriate end user searches; psychology of end user searching; the role of the librarians; library policies; and change. Four sources are…

The State Library of Ohio designed this disaster preparedness plan to assist small libraries in gathering information that will be invaluable in the event of an emergency. This plan, which focuses on fire and water disaster prevention, is devoted to using simple and inexpensive measures to prevent a disaster or to lessen its effect. The plan…

This new edition of the Idaho Library Laws contains changes through the 1998 legislative session and includes Idaho Code sections that legally affect city, school-community or district libraries, or the Idaho State Library. These sections include the basic library laws in Idaho Code Title 33, Chapters 25, 26, and 27, additional sections of the law…

This document is designed to help Wisconsin libraries plan for and achieve service levels that meet the ever-changing needs of local residents. The "Wisconsin Public Library Standards" has evolved gradually over the years, and this edition addresses the changes and challenges libraries have experienced since publication of the 1994…

The research reported suggests some ways in which economists could help themselves by rationalizing their literature, making better use of the bibliographic tools in existence and improving these tools. Ways librarians could do more to assist their readers are specified. (10 references) (Author/NH)

Discusses library service patterns of cooperation at the local level, the role of library networks in providing new services, collaborations between public libraries and the community, and library policy as it affects forms of public service. (FM)

To protect children from material it considers harmful, Family Friendly Libraries (FFL) seeks to limit access to information in public libraries. This article describes the conflict between the FFL and the American Library Association (ALA). Provides an overview of censorship and U.S. legislative history, presents the FFL position and the ALA…

Explains symbolic interactionism as a theory for analyzing research based on a qualitative interpretive process that can help librarians to understand the way in which the library staff and users view services, training, policy, and other issues. The theory focuses on the symbolic meaning of objects, such as books, and events as they are…

Describes the policies and procedures developed at the Vineland Public Library (New Jersey) for a program to lend laptop computers. Discusses laptops for in-library use and for home use; obstacles, including staffing ramifications and maintenance demands; checking for inappropriate Web sites left on the hard drive; and benefits for the users. (LRW)

Describes a study that investigated the use of electronic book devices by college students, professors, and librarians. Topics include the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs); challenges for libraries, including policies for PDAs; technological problems with PDAs; and student attitudes. (LRW)

Provides background on federal literacy programs and legislation. Proceedings of a national literacy forum for state libraries are summarized, and priority issues identified by participants are listed. The importance of the library role is emphasized. (MES)

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…

Investigates whether textbooks are appropriate for a college library collection. Discussion includes an overview of collection development policies; the definition of a textbook; textbook references; and selection criteria for evaluating a textbook=FEs desirability as a library resource. (28 references) (SLW)

Examines libraries' policies of keeping patron records private and confidential. Addresses the idea that libraries use their automated systems to retain and use patron data to develop and improve library services. Describes uses of patron data that can help libraries develop targeted services to users to better meet their information needs. (JMV)

Illinois libraries and library districts should be aware of the employment "at-will" doctrine in their hiring, firing, and employment policy decisions. Because changes in the law require greater scrutiny of employment manuals and policies, recommendations are made for reducing administrative burdens, record keeping, reviewing employment…