The American Public Library. Research Report.

This analysis of data from major library studies provides a wide range of information on public libraries in America in the 1970's. Following a discussion of the history and stated purpose of American public libraries, figures are presented for library size, population served, area served, governing bodies, financial support, revenue allocation, facilities, collection size, personnel employed, patron loans, reference services, interlibrary lending, and attendance by members of the public. A review of technology applications in public libraries includes discussion of public radio and television broadcasts, videotex, computer output microfilm (COM) catalogs, and automated services in the following areas: cooperative cataloging, circulation control, interlibrary lending, reference transactions, acquisitions, serials control, provision of automated film bookings, adoption of online public catalogs, provision of public access microcomputers, and use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). A summary profile of typical American public libraries is provided. (Author/ESR)