Search

This paper reports on a cooperative effort to create a series of web-based multimedia exhibits uniting oral history with historical images to portray the complex history of the Colorado Plateau region. Lead by a university library, regional libraries and museums worked in collaboration to integrate historical and cultural materials from each of the partnering institutions to tell the engaging story of this unique part of America. Voices of the Colorado Plateau features online multimedia exhibits where real people tell real stories. The menus are simple and users can experience the museum with a minimum of searching and clicking. The site takes advantage of both World Wide Web multimedia and streaming technologies offering online patrons compelling and educational presentations. If more information is desired, there are simple routes to gain access to full interviews, complete photo collections or access to the host museum/library web site. This is one of a new generation of online cultural heritage sites endeavoring to make library and museum artifacts more accessible, more compelling and more human. (Contains eight references.) (Author/AEF)

This paper discusses public library services to remote communities in Australia, focusing on New South Wales (NSW). The first section presents background on the public library network in NSW, including statistics, descriptors/characteristics of public libraries, and funding to establish public Internet access. The second section addresses regional libraries in NSW, focusing on the Riverina Regional Library and the establishment of the Tumut Electronic Network Centre, a project that set up telecentres in several libraries; project aims and benefits are listed. The third section describes infrastructure, goals, and funding of NSW.net, a virtual private Internet network for libraries, local government, and communities. (MES)

Based on communication with librarians from Russia, Mongolia, the Baltic States, Bulgaria, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Romania, this paper discusses library collection development and preservation policies. Highlights include: mission statements of national and regional libraries; availability of a formal structure responsible for collection management that binds the relationship between collection development and preservation in the institution; and adherence to large-scale preservation programs versus title-for-title preservation, including strategies for storage and handling (e.g., new facilities, boxing, binding, microfilming, and deacidification). (MES)

The presence of Siberian and Far Eastern libraries on the Internet has become the reality of today. Joining this community, they solve at least two main problems--those of rational use of World Wide Web resources and those of providing access to their own products. There is a system of fixing documentary streams disclosing regional problems. Each territorial library takes upon itself the compiling of local lore literature databases, including analytical surveys of publications about all aspects of social life in their territories. They are partly present at the sites of these libraries, and databases produced by different research institutions are available at their Web sites. All-Siberian information is cumulated in databases produced by the largest library of the region, the State Public Scientific-Technical Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. These databases comprise documentary information on regional aspects of nature resources, economy, culture, and history and are available on the Internet. (MES)

Over time, the Regional Library Systems Act has succeeded in its aim to widen and improve access to library services for all Maine residents. Today, students in the smallest high schools and users of the most remote public libraries can plug into the resources of the largest public libraries in the state and draw on the services of their professional staffs. The Act was enacted in 1973 after a long process that began in the 1950s. Background to the development of the Regional Library Systems Act is given, and developments in interlibrary loan since the Act passed the Legislature in June 1973 are outlined. The Regional Library Systems Act has worked remarkably well. Concerns about the loss of local autonomy have been put to rest; users of local libraries and school libraries have improved access to library services when their librarians can tie into the collections of the Area Reference and Resource Centers; and local library staffs are better prepared through the support offered by the District Consultants. Unfinished business remains; a statewide borrower's card has yet to be issued, and many libraries still do not tie into the system. (AEF)

In the fall of 1996, Congress passed the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Bill. The bill challenges librarians to become more collaborative, encourages resource sharing and cooperation among all types of libraries, and shifts the focus of federal funding to technology. This report describes projects funded under the last year of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) as well as the beginning of the new initiatives undertaken. Grant awards are listed by library in each district under LSCA Title I Projects: Improving Public Library Services and LSCA Title III Projects: Sharing Library Resources. Quotes from library staff and users on the benefits of various services and resources are included for each district as well. A summary of LSCA Title I competitive and non-competitive subgrants awarded in FY 1997 and LSCA Title III subgrants awarded in FY 1997 is provided at the end of the report. The Library of Michigan's LSCA Program Goals are also outlined, and a map of Congressional Districts (1997) is provided. Three new electronic library services--AccessMichigan, MEL and SPAN are briefly described. (AEF)

This annual report on the role of the federal Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) funds in improving Michigan library services presents district-by-district summaries of the state's 1996 LSCA grant program and demonstrates how federal funds have supported a wide range of projects. Grant awards are listed by library in each district, under LSCA Title I Projects: Improving Public Library Services and LSCA Title II Projects: Sharing Library Resources. Quotes from library staff and users on the benefits of various services and resources are included for each district as well. A summary of LSCA awards in 1996 is included for regional and subregional library programs, major urban resource library programs, institutional programs, discretionary grants for public library services (LSCA Title I), and for interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing (LSCA Title III). The Library of Michigan's LSCA Program Goals are outlined, and a map of Congressional Districts (1995) is also provided. (AEF)

The South West Thames Regional Library Service (England) uses contracts for library service to encourage library cooperation, liberate staff, and focus on the quality of information services. The South Thames Regional Library Service facilitates access to and promotes the use of health care literature and is responsible for planning and commissioning library services for 60,000 National Health Service (NHS) staff, maintaining a framework for library cooperation, and providing logistical support to the libraries in the form of databases, networks, and professional development opportunities. In less than four years, the use of contracts has: doubled the use of the libraries, won budget increases of 50%, increased the professional autonomy of local library staff, and instituted a program of continuous quality improvement. Performance is monitored through quarterly activity returns, annual objective setting, annual structured library visits, and special surveys. Performance measures inform the dialogue between library service commissioners and providers, concentrate on key issues, and keep the "paymasters" happy. The report provides background on the changes in the NHS that resulted in changes in the provision of library services, and discusses each of the performance measures. Figures illustrate examples of library activity reports. A brief discussion with the author is provided. (SWC)

The Vermont General Assembly mandated an evaluation of the regional library program of the Vermont State Department of Libraries. To carry out this charge, the department initiated a 14-month review of the program with three components: an internal review of library service, use, and costs; public library input derived from a detailed survey and eight formal meetings with the library community; and five regional public hearings for any interested state resident. The review process proved that there are few alternatives to regional library services at this time. Local public library service is currently inadequate statewide, and local communities would find it difficult or impossible to carry out adequate services without the resources and backup collections of the department. Recommendations for the continued success of library services in Vermont center around the following issues: (1) continuation of the regional library structure; (2) adequate funding for the purchase of materials; (3) new automated services and opportunities for local libraries; (4) provision of access to information technologies beyond the capacity of local libraries; and (5) use of regional libraries as government information center access points. Additional alternatives to provide resources for library services are also outlined. Five appendixes contain information on tax support, questionnaire results, library services, and maps of library facilities. (SLD)

This report describes a study of the Jackson-George Regional Library (JGRL) System, which serves a 2-county area in Mississippi with a population of 131,918. The purpose of the study, which built on the planning and administration goals identified in "Planning for Progress: The Long Range Plan of the Jackson George Regional Library," was to provide a framework that the eight-library system could use to change roles and set new directions. This report is divided into four major sections following a brief opening section that describes the organization of the report. The second section, which makes up the major part of the report, presents the results of a telephone survey of 453 persons that collected information on demographics, media ownership, and library use or non-use. It is noted that the most significant findings of the telephone study were: residents appear to seek out the library in the system that best meets their needs, regardless of location; non-use because of sight and mobility problems indicates a need to promote services for handicapped persons; and newspapers were found, by far, to be the best means of publicizing library programs. The telephone survey was supplemented by a face-to-face survey administered to 202 people at four Wal-Mart stories, also described in section 2. The next major section identifies mechanisms used to build staff and trustee confidence in the planning process and analyzes responses to the JGRL System Staff and Trustee Surveys that focus on the library role, effectiveness, and performance. Section 4 reviews other internal studies and surveys, and the fifth and last section analyzes collection performance, including turnover rates of collection categories and collection and circulation proportions. Copies of survey instruments and numerous tables of survey data are included. (KRN)

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) commissioned a study to determine the baseline costs of operation for the network of libraries and agencies that provide braille, playback machine, and recorded book services to patrons of the free national program. A 15-year projection of costs was also prepared. The approximate costs of network operations for the federal fiscal year 1989 were $3,154,000 for braille book services, and $7,724,000 for playback machine services, and $30,181,000, for recorded book services, for a total of $41,058,000. These numbers represent expenses incurred by state, local, and private agencies in the network, and exclude costs for materials or equipment, which were covered by the NLS. The NLS also incurred approximatley $805,000 in costs for its multistate centers (MSCs). In fiscal year 1989, the network consisted of 56 regional libraries, 92 subregional libraries, 8 machine lending agencies, and 3 MSCs. The 15-year projection of network costs was based on the cost behavior of 35 sample sites, operational statistics as reported to NLS by network libraries and agencies, and unit occupancy costs compiled by the General Services Administration (GSA). Independent mathematical relationships relating the costs for the sample sites to their associated operational statistics were developed for regional and subregional libraries for the three services under study and for three major cost categories: labor, occupancy, and all other costs. It is projected that costs in the 15th year will have increased to $91,601,419 ($6,134,726, $17,415,106, and $68,051,587 for braille book, playback machine, and recorded book services respectively). Supporting data and cost prediction models are appended. (SD)

This comprehensive evaluation report is based on site visits to 13 adult and 8 juvenile correctional centers and interviews with library staff, prison staff, and residents in 1982. An introduction presents a historical overview of library services to Illinois correctional institutions, a literature review, and a discussion of the methodology of the study. Separate chapters then examine the responsibilities at the system level and the state level, including the Illinois State Library, the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, and the Department of Corrections School District. Additional chapters discuss library outreach, the legal framework for prison libraries, general comments and recommendations on the law libraries, reflections on corrections theories, and the Illinois plan. A summary presents 61 major recommendations, and suggestions for future research and a selected bibliography are provided. Appendices include the interview forms used, a summary of inmates' responses to interview questions, a summary of responses to the correctional library survey, a comparative analysis of holdings of law libraries in Illinois Correctional Centers in 1982, and a proposed photocopy policy (1981). (LMM)

With the assistance of a grant from the Council on Library Resources, and funding and guidance from the Western Council of State Librarians, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education's (WICHE) Continuing Education and Library Resources Program undertook an action research project to design and implement an interstate bibliographic network in the 17 westernmost states and the Canadian province of British Columbia. In the course of the project, it was determined that existing organizations were capable of providing operational support for networking, but that no group other than the Western Council was in a position to coordinate state and multistate research, analysis, plans, policies, and continuing education for library resource sharing. The WICHE library program was therefore renamed the Western Interstate Library Coordinating Organization (WILCO) and was redirected to offer a forum for investigating regional library concerns, to catalyze and facilitate interstate resource sharing, and to coordinate regional interests with national library network planning. This report concentrates on the most significant events of the year-long project. (Author)

This is the report of a 1975 survey study on the information needs of adults in the service area of the Eastern Shore Regional Library, conducted to provide data for improving public library services and for future library planning. A questionnaire containing 192 steps was used in interviewing a selected sample with fair demographic representation from eight counties. Data were collected and organized on the regional and the county level. This report contains 19 tables with regional data and 21 tables with both regional and individual county data, and each statistical table is accompanied by analytical notes. Also presented are findings at regional level as to the information needs for problem solving, general subject areas, education and entertainment activities; library use; and user/non-user profiles. The questionnaire is included in the appendix. Findings regarding specific counties are presented in separate documents. (SC)

Following a brief review of the current Louisiana library system at all levels (both public and private), needs, goals, objectives, and implementation suggestions are made in the following areas: personnel; library materials; service to the disadvantaged, the blind and physically handicapped, and the health and correctional institutions; financing; public relations; physical facilities; study and evaluation. (DAG)

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) received a year's grant from the Council on Library Resources to design and develop a library network for 17 western states. During the third quarter, work centered around defining a legal basis, governance structure, role, and appropriate level of program activity for the network. Major activities included: (1) election of the organizing Steering Committee Executive Board; and (2) meetings with bibliographic network directors and Library of Congress (LC) network planning representatives. Discussions centered on the project's relationship with existing networks and LC, and library resource sharing. The Executive Board and Western Council of State Librarians restructured the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) library program into a coordinating and catalyzing agent for regional resource sharing activities, renaming it the Western Interstate Library Coordinating Organization (WILCO). The appendices include minutes of the Steering Committee meeting, results of a survey of union serials data bases, and financial report. (Author/KP)

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) received a year's grant from the Council on Library Resources to design and develop a library network for 17 western states. Major activities of the second quarter included: (1) hiring the project director; (2) continuing to acquire information on recent developments in networking; (3) visiting major library organizations in the Pacific Northwest to explore their participation in the network; (4) initiating a study of telecommunications needed for libraries; (5) nominating the persons to be appointed to the network organizing steering committee; and (6) preparing the first newsletter to bring western librarians up to date on the project. The appendices include a cost and funding study summary, financial report, survey results, and the first newsletter. (Author/KP)

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) received a year's grant from the Council on Library Resources to design and develop a library network for western states. Functions and program plans were developed for the newly established networking organization, Western Interstate Library Coordinating Organization (WILCO), with programs in resource sharing coordination, continuing education for librarians, and library and information science research. Major activities of the fourth quarter included: (1) outlining WILCO programs; (2) identifying goals and tasks to guide regional resource sharing; (3) beginning to execute coordinating functions. The project has demonstrated the value of a multistate organization, based on state library agencies, to catalyze and sustain cooperative activities of individual libraries and networking organizations. The appendices which form the bulk of this report include WILCO program plans and budget for fiscal year 1977, and several working papers describing the organization. (Author/KP)

An anecdotal review covers the first year of increased library service in Nye, Lincoln, and Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, under the Southern Nevada Library Services project funded by the Library Services and Construction Act. Using information from questionnaires and site visits, the extent of library services in each community in the area is outlined. Recommendations are made for improvements in the services offered and in the administration of the project. (PF)

The Associated Colleges of the Midwest Periodical Bank is a service which provides interlibrary access to periodical literature in the Chicago metropolitan area. By maintaining a dedicated collection of the most heavily requested periodicals and having access to the collections of all cooperating libraries, the Periodical Bank can provide photocopies of articles on request while reducing the necessity for each library to maintain and access comprehensive collections. The Bank's speed and rate of success in filling requests have been improved by studying requests to identify which periodicals should be in the Bank. A selective union catalog is being developed which will further improve the service and the economy possible through this cooperative arrangement. (KB)

The organization, staffing, finance, and projected budget for the North Dakota Tri-College University Libraries are discussed. All the activities and recent developments of the Tri-College University Libraries are reviewed and particular attention is paid to personnel changes, administration, financing, acquisitions, and expansions. (WH)

This manual was conceived as a reference guide for Illinois' 18 library systems to use in their long-range planning and evaluation program. Section 1 of the manual explains the planning model: Context Input Process Product (CIPP). CIPP was selected as a coherent adaptation and modification of many previous planning and design methods: systems analysis, programed instruction, and Planning Programing Budgeting System (PPBS). It consists of four major steps: context evaluation (identifying the environment/setting goals and objectives); input evaluation (selecting alternatives); process evaluation (implementation); and product evaluation (assessing final results). Further explanation is provided on the process of generating library goals and objectives. Finally the CIPP model is applied to the central interlibrary loan operation of a hypothetical public library; question formulation, goal setting, and implementation activities. A flowchart of the CIPP model, a glossary of terms, report writing forms and procedures, and a bibliography are appended. (Author/SL)

This study was commissioned to delineate the role of resource and bibliographic centers in the national network of library and information services proposed by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. As background material, an overview of existing centers was constructed from earlier interlibrary loan studies; small surveys of public, special, and state library agencies; and staff visits to a number of existing centers and regional networks. To meet the need for improved resource sharing, a recommended structure for the coordination and integration of resource and bibliographic centers into a national network for improved interlibrary loan service was developed. As part of this design the nation was divided into a number of suggested bibliographic regions and delivery zones for the physical supply of requested materials. Various kinds and levels of services have been considered at each level within the program--national, regional, zone, state, and local. Estimated developmental and operational costs are shown along with a proposed schedule for the accomplishment of the recommended program. (Author/SL)

Between January 1972 and December 1973, three Illinois public library systems conducted Books by Mail (BBM) programs with the intent of reaching people unserved by libraries and promoting and improving library services. Similar procedures were followed by the three systems: a catalog, listing paperback books for children and adults, was prepared and distributed by bulk mail. Prestamped book order cards were enclosed. Program evaluation was based on monthly circulation statistics, an analysis of geographic distribution of patrons and of subject popularity from a 10 percent sample of the completed order cards and, at the end of the project, a questionnaire to an 8 percent sample of the BBM patrons. The mean cost per user of the BBM service was $8.12. Data suggested that the programs did not achieve their goal of stimulating library use and the development of new library districts, since a high percentage of the BBM users were already registered library patrons. Furthermore, the total group sampled was not willing to pay an annual fee large enough to support any type of library program, even a BBM service. (SL)

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) inhouse library systems fall into two principle categories: basic library inventory systems and literature retrieval systems. Currently, the library network supports three inventory systems: the journal system; the hard bound book system; and the circulation system. At the same time, five efforts are under way in the area of literature retrieval: (1) a system involving bibliographic information concerned with the health aspects of pesticides; (2) a similar application in the area of air pollutants and their effects on vegetation and animals; (3) a system covering a collection of international environmental reports pertaining to national environmental policies and laws; (4) an EPA reports system using master files provided by the National Information Service (Department of Commerce); and (5) an EPA document control system which monitors documents not covered by other library applications. Each of these systems generates comprehensive computer outputs meeting the total needs of the data managers as well as the daily user. (WCM)

The viability of organizational change depends on the gradual institutionalization of innovations. There has been a history of planned social change in medical library organization. Stress was being felt in that library agencies could not meet user expectations. With the Medical Library Assistance Act, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) was authorized to act as a change agent to forge new organizational relationships for medical document delivery. Regional medical libraries (RML) were to be founded and rationalized into a hierarchical system of resources under NLM's guidance. The Kentucky-Ohio-Michigan Regional Medical Library was the first decentralized RML, its purpose being the establishment of new linkages between existing biomedical libraries for the sharing of resources. Types of linkages vary throughout the three-state region, but the data suggests that new communication channels have been established, and that the RML is supportive of change. (Author/SL)

A practical system for producing a union catalog of titles in the collections of the Library of Congress Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (DBPH), its regional network, and related agencies from a machine-readable data base is presented. The DBPH organization and operations and the associated regional library network are analyzed. The major objectives of the proposed system are defined as improved bibliographic control over materials acquired by DBPH and the network libraries and improved management control. To meet these objectives, DBPH Bibliographic Information System design contains three subsystems: (1) an in-process system, (2) a union catalog system, and (3) a management information system. Hardware, software, and support requirements are assessed as part of a three-year plan for implementation. Appendixes include detailed work flow diagrams for current DBPH functions, a structured interview sheet used on site visits, and detailed calculations of production costs for the union catalog in book and microfiche form. (Author/PF)