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An interview with Linda Youmans, youth collections/system librarian at the Okanagan Regional Library System in Kelowna, British Columbia, is presented. Youmans discusses how long she has been working in libraries and describes her first library job. She also offers advice to people who are interested in a career in libraries and expresses her admiration to Eleanor Acorn, her first library boss in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Measurement of library systems and services is a multidimensional management task. New paradigms of library service and the context in which libraries operate have made it necessary for librarians to find new measures while at the same time keeping the old. Factors that can be measured, such as needs. inputs, quality processes, outputs, quality of service. outcomes, and impacts. are described. This bibliographic essay covers the current trends while leading readers to resources where they can learn more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kisfaludy Károly County Library in Győr was one of the first public libraries in Hungary to have gained practical experience of using KÖZTAURUSZ, the comprehensive Hungarian thesaurus as part of their integrated library system. This study, first presented at the Networkshop 2006 conference, shortly presents the history of subject cataloguing at the library, focuses on the application of KÖZTAURUSZ. In 2004, the library applied for state funding for the purchase of a new ILS able to integrate the thesaurus. A detailed report is given on the steps and challenges of the integration of subject terms from the thesaurus into nearly 50,000 document records. The outcome of the integration is an enhanced OPAC, offering a subject search tool for users. At the same time, this type of action can serve as an example of the successful cooperation of librarians and library software developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proactive reference at Columbus Metropolitan Public Library means librarians abandoning their traditional chairs and desks to seek out and greet patrons as they enter a reference area. This article is written to share the CML story: The goals, planning, mustering of resources, and implementation that changed how CML conducts its customer service business. The article closes with one reference staff member describing a working day using the proactive reference approach. This narrative shows how the various pieces of proactive reference fit together and the rewards that the staffs receive from being part of the innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article covers the services, reading materials, and delivery formats offered by the Lee County (FL) Library System to assist children and adults using its Special Services programs. Bookmobile, Books-by- Mail, Family Literacy, and Talking Books programs reach patrons who have difficulty using a library, yet still want something good to read or view. Staff are attuned to the needs of their patrons for reader's advisory assistance and materials in special formats. Whether it's a descriptive video for a woman with low vision, graphic novels for a reluctant teen reader, or a bilingual picture dictionary for someone learning English, they are all routine requests for Special Services staff. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of Florida's Orange County Library System (OCLS) home delivery program, including the history, processes and cost-effectiveness of the service. Design/methodology/approach - The approach takes a descriptive form. Findings - It was found that the service continues to grow from 9,000 books delivered in 1975 to 840,000 in 2008. It is cost-effective and the most popular service with patrons. Originality/value - The paper is one of the few that describes a successful home delivery service run by a public library. It should be useful for all librarians who are keen to introduce such a service in their own library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article features retired librarian Mary Ellen Johnson, who had worked for over twenty years at the Sequoyah Regional Library System in Georgia. She served as the first children's coordinator, reference librarian, reference manager as well as the first member of the Collections Department. The librarian offered support for annual events that give back to the community such as poetry contests, library runs and adult spelling bees.

The article introduces the book "Computer-Based Library Information Systems Designing Techniques," by Mandan Mohan Kashyap. The book aims to provide accounts of systems theory to help in understanding the process of systems analysis and design, as well as to design better information technology-based systems in libraries. This book will help practicing librarians who are facing responsibility in evaluating library programs and procedures to identify the problem areas and find means to bridge the gaps. Also, the book can be used by library and information science students who are attending a course in Computer Application in Libraries, Library System Analysis,and Design Systems study and Re-engineering Technique.