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The article focuses on the new library design in the U.S., as of November 2021. Topics discussed examples of how the modern public library is much more than a place to borrow books, significance of the furnishings that libraries can play in enhancing the patron experience, and the adoption by many libraries of best practices from retail stores to highlight their collections.

The article discusses the work of public libraries to find employment and secure better jobs and promotions for library users in the U.S. Topics include increase seen by libraries across the country in the use of virtual career and business resources during the pandemic, initiatives that seek to address the needs of patrons who lack the reliable internet access to apply, interview and train for new jobs, and programs that target specific career paths created by some libraries.

The article discusses a variety of training options and practical tips offered by vendors to ensure librarians and patrons get the most out of their databases. Topics include the importance of training according to Allyson Zellner, manager of Customer Training Services for EBSCO, courses being offered by EBSCO Academy, and training offered by ProQuest.

The article offers a guide for libraries to serve their Generation Z users who want to read at low or no cost. Topics covered include some of the cheap online platforms available such as Scribd, Wattpad and fanfiction repositories, tips for libraries on developing a methodology for providing access to materials outside mainstream publishing like zines and need for librarians to be familiar with popular podcasts and podcasting platforms to be able to recommend audio for Generation Z patrons.

The article discusses the efforts by libraries in the U.S. to support patrons and library staff who are experiencing mental health challenges. Topics covered include proportion of U.S. adults who live with a mental illness as of 2017 according to the National Institute of Mental Health, best practices for library staff on dealing with patrons with mental illness, and information on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, a course developed by the National Council on Behavioral Health.

The article discusses the rising popularity of graphic novels as of June 2018, which was attributed to libraries and their patrons. Topics covered include the performance of libraries above the traditional retail channels in 2017, increase in graphic novel circulation and increase in unique comic book users since 2016 according to hoopla digital owner and cofounder Jeff Jankowski, and comic titles from across the literary and entertainment industries.

The article discusses the shift of patron service of libraries toward human-centered design techniques, also known as design thinking, as of September 2016. Topics include the reason behind the adoption of design thinking techniques by Melanie Huggins, executive director of the Richland Library in Columbia, South Carolina, the key features of design thinking, user experience (UX) design as a common assessment tool in academic and public libraries, and libraries that adopted design thinking.

The author discusses a study which examined Facebook relationships of 72 million people. The study found that the biggest determining factor of a neighborhood's less wealthy children obtaining positive economic mobility as adults was how much they connected with people outside their economic strata. The author cites the failure of the analysis to directly measure the role of race and the need of libraries to build programs that appeal to and welcome patrons from a cross-section of demographics.

The article discusses the annual State of America's Library Report released by the American Library Association (ALA) on April 15, 2021 which focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and how public, school, and academic libraries worked to meet patrons' and communities' needs. Topics include comments from ALA President Julius C. Jefferson Jr., ALA's own stories which were included in the report, and critical resources for the report's broad mandate.

The author considers these stressful times in 2022 as a perfect moment to celebrate the pleasure and comfort of rereading. She talks about ways libraries could further serve patrons, the need of librarians to open reader advisory (RA) tools to patrons' direct use, and the emergence of romance genre as a great place to start rereading.

The article reports on the addition of VIA Metropolitan Transit by BiblioTech, the digital library of Bexar county, Texas, to BiblioTech's local partners that help patrons discover and access library ebooks and other content outside of the system's two branches. Topics include a background on the creation of BiblioTech, how BiblioTech works to establish partnerships according to Administrator Laura Cole, and the number of patrons registered by BiblioTech throughout Bexar county in three years.

The author reports on challenges which are often faced by Latinos in the United States and ways in which libraries can help with these challenges. Challenges which are discussed include high suicide rates, poverty and the risk of contracting diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Ways in which libraries can assist Latinos are mentioned, such as informing Latinos of educational opportunities which are available and the benefits which education can bring to a family.

The article examines the use of nonfiction titles as a means for libraries to better serve their patrons. The author suggests that readers can be steered toward nonfiction writing by stressing the same narrative elements that are appealing in fiction. A number of classic nonfiction titles are suggested. INSET: GETTING STARTED.

The article discusses the development of an e-mail reminder system called Library Elf for library patrons that alerts them when an item is due. Requests for similar software updates have come in including patron reading lists and notices when books on these lists become available. Libraries worry that patron privacy will be compromised due to easy access to patron e-mail addresses and other personal information. Some patrons may feel the convenience outweighs the risks. INSETS: Privacy Issues;Polaris and Library ELF;Privacy Statues About Library Information.

This article discusses how electronic resources have changed the way that library patrons conduct research. Many patrons conduct research using web-based databases. Several publishers also are embracing the electronic age and producing electronic books and resources. Some libraries have made cuts in regards to the amount of print references they house. Economics also play a part in determining what type of resources libraries purchase. Most would like to have both print and electronic resources, but lack the funds for both. It is important to keep the content of both print and electronic resources updated and relevant.

Discusses how libraries can offer the community the information its patrons need. How the majority of community information services fall into two main categories, which are online community directories and community calendars; Way that libraries use their integrated library system (ILS) to manage their community information; Comparison between ILS and homegrown systems; Assertion that calendars require more hands on attention; Encouragement of community members to share their expertise and interests with their neighbors; Need for libraries to question how they present community information. INSETS: Weigh the Decision: ILS vs. Homegrown;Create a calendar if your library...;Buy a calendar package if your library....

The author talks about a report released by New America which shows that U.S. libraries' efforts have successfully led to greater online access during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that those efforts failed to fully close the access gap for those need it most. She discusses two major infusions of cash for libraries, the challenge for libraries, and implication of the report for users of color.

Reports on the architectural library projects of 1989 for academic libraries, public libraries and libraries in progress. Project names, locations, costs and all other pertinent project data; Additions, renovations, new buildings; View that thought must be given to the preservation of library buildings, in light of the destruction of libraries by earthquakes and hurricanes; Mention of the Medgar Evers College Library of the City University of New York in Brooklyn; Projects which have sought to provide access to physically challenged patrons and staff.

Proposes a machine-readable book system for libraries to improve book availability. View that such a system will enable library users to access books from personal computers; Documentation of the extent of unavailability of material with traditional library practices; Calculation of the improvement in availability which a collection of machine-readable books will bring about; View that library bibliographic systems often fail to put a physical package in the hands of a library user; Finding that the best way to improve the availability of books in a library is to reduce the user failure rate in obtaining books; Other ways libraries have increased circulation, including decreasing loan periods, sending overdue notices promptly, and duplicating heavily used materials.

Addresses the role of video in public libraries. Impact of the popularity of video recordings on librarians; History of audio/visual departments in libraries; Difficulties faced in video selection, rating, and borrowing privileges; Topic of library finance and the allocation of library budgets to video acquisitions; Idea that video stores became models for library video collections when video began to be integrated into library collections; Libraries which charge patrons money to check out videos, such as the Baltimore County Public Library. INSET: Not Quiet on the Western Front.

The article provides information on the Public Libraries Survey (PLS) Report issued by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) on August 2, 2018 which offered a look at public library use, financial health, staffing and resources in the U.S. active public libraries in fiscal year 2015. Findings include total public library visits in 2015, number of collection items made by the library during the period, and how libraries are working to rebound from the Great Recession of 2009.

This article discusses ways that libraries can improve service and communication with patrons through electronic means. Most libraries now offer e-service through web sites and some even offer blogging to communicate. "Library Journal's" 2007 annual survey of its 100 representative libraries might not be as valid as in previous years because nearly half of the 100 libraries were replaced by new ones. Library budgets have been gradually increasing over the past several years.

The article reports on the state of American libraries in 2007. It is noted that circulation and use of library services is strong. It is suggested that much of the use of public libraries is driven by the desire on the part of library users for Internet services. The book buying trends by libraries are analyzed. INSET: HOT READS IN THE LIBRARY.

The author believes that the police must not be a daily presence if people want African American patrons and staff to feel safe in the library. She talks about the police killing of African American George Floyd which led to protests, some library initiatives that have been shown to reduce the need to call the cops, and her belief on the need of public libraries to aim to drastically reduce their reliance on police presence.

The article reports on the IBM/ProQuest Internet & Homework Library in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, created to serve Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Located in a temporary building in the evacuee housing area of Renaissance Village, the shelter library provides Internet access and computer workstations, reference books, and homework help. Volunteers also provide assistance with filling out FEMA forms, searching for missing people and filing for unemployment. The library receives books from its corporate sponsors, making it easier to process new titles. Patrons are encouraged to return the books if they can. The library relies on help from IBM, ProQuest, the LSU library program and local volunteers.

Offers a look at OneCleveland, an ultrabroadband technology network platform, that could transform the library's educational role in Ohio. Transition from analog to digital systems; Importance of Internet access for library users; Role of public libraries in providing network connectivity; Role of OneCleveland in collaboration with Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) in addressing social inclusion through Internet access; Distance education offered by Cleveland State University to subscribers at libraries; Cooperation between the Cleveland Museum of Art and CCPL.

The article examines the dynamic, database-driven website of the Phoenix Public Library (PPL), which sets the standard for library websites. If we ignore the high-end nature of the site for a moment, there is still plenty at which to marvel. What really stands out, especially after talking to some of the people involved with the project, is the attention to how things work, and don't work, on the popular, commercial sites. PPL's web team looked closely at Google, Amazon, and other consumer sites their customers use regularly. Then they applied what they learned, with embellishments, to the delivery of library services. The robust nature of these applications, together with the dynamic nature of the site and the integration of information and services, puts this site head and shoulders above other library web sites. Most of the site was built from scratch. The best off-the-shelf products couldn't deliver the seamless integration that the web team wanted. Even the graphic design was done in-house. Now, the library world will be watching Phoenix Public Library's web team, enhancing library services for their customers while creating a new model for the online library. INSET: Let's Go Shopping.

Looks at how to maintain quality in a Web site and the development of conventions in Web site design. Idea that librarians create Web sites which contain terms employed by library users; Belief that many sites have well-designed homepages but inferior secondary pages; Perception that sites must be user-friendly.

Focuses on live digital reference services, which use technology to allow users access to reference librarians in real time. Use of e-mail by librarians to answer reference questions; Ease of operating reference software for users; Idea that librarians must keep users entertained in order to keep them.

Reports on efforts to add computer resources to rural libraries in Colorado. Reasons for the installation of computers in Colorado rural libraries; Use of Application Service Provider (ASP) technology. INSET: Keeping It Public.

Discusses policies for libraries with respect to providing hyperlinks on web sites. Issues that must be addressed prior to adding a link on one's site; Examples of policies for Internet linking in libraries.

Discusses trends in library design and construction. How libraries are built to facilitate self-service on the part of patrons; Ways to add flexibility for networks and electronics; Energy efficiency as a concern in library design; Collaboration between public and academic libraries; Aesthetic concerns; How to tailor library service for its specific community and its needs.

Discusses how libraries can get the public support they need using the Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL) in Michigan as an example. How Kalamazoo County receives more money per capita than the average public library; Citizen support for the library; Efforts of KPL to communicate its needs to local communities.

Discusses changes libraries in the United States must make to stay relevant as of March, 2001. Need to remain relevant in terms of technology; Change in the way the public wants to receive information; Ideas on how to recruit library staff with relevant training; Thoughts on the library's role as a community center; Suggestion that libraries need to market themselves.

This article examines the increase in library's audio collections in 1990. In January 1990 the Library Journal (LJ) conducted an audio market study in which 372 libraries participated. A total of 277 libraries responded to a question asking if they expected their audio budgets to rise in 1991. Thirty percent of the respondents said yes. An LJ poll of the 20 highest audio-purchasing libraries, conducted in February 1991, revealed that one half reported increases in their total spoken word audio budgets for 1991. The 1990 LJ survey indicated that audio users are sharply divided, as a whole, in their preference for abridge versus unabridged programs, although neither side represents a clear majority. Of the 372 survey participants, 314 libraries responded to a question asking if their patrons preferred a particular format; 37.6 percent claimed their patrons preferred the full-length treatment, while 32.2 percent reported a preference for abridged audio. A comment common to many respondents was individual customers tend to have strong preferences for either one or the other, depending on their listening circumstances, so neither is a clear favorite. However, the customers who like unabridged have been more vocal. INSET: Kristen Smith: Straight talk about audio reviewing..

This article deals with the suggestion of Jane Monck, one of the trustees at the Kentport Public Library, to Frieda Pavlicek, the director of the library that she should design a questionnaire to use with the reference and circulation staff in the library. Public libraries can learn from the private sector in the areas of accountability, marketing and personal incentives. Trustee Monck is correct in noting that there are some individuals in libraries who do not give their best but libraries are under the same constraints as the government body under which they operate, making hiring, firing and salary increases based merit much more difficult than in the private sector. Reference is an art, not a science and it is more difficult to quantify than other types of customer service. Before the next board meeting, Pavlicek should be ready to present an approach to measure user satisfaction at public service points. A finished measuring instrument is not necessary yet, but a review of the literature with a summary for the board will serve her well. She must disconnect the concept of salary increases and be good or be gone from results of patron assessments of staff performance.

This article discusses solutions to the problems of libraries that offer online or CD-ROM searching of bibliographic databases. One perennial problem facing libraries that offer online or CD-ROM searching of bibliographic databases is helping patrons get copies of the documents they identify in a search. Although the problem exists even with printed indexes, database searching makes it easier to locate more items in a wider variety of sources. Patrons with long printouts of articles in sometimes obscure journals are common in libraries, especially as libraries provide CD-ROM indexes for self-service searching. Some libraries report an increase in the use of FAX, some make more use of online document ordering from information brokers, many others see patrons settle for finding only three or four articles out of every ten identified. If speed, cost, and patron satisfaction are equally important, not one of these truly solves the problem. Several producers of bibliographic databases on CD-ROM are trying to provide better solutions, but do not agree on what is the best solution for article delivery. There are three main approaches offered, and they include microform collections, image files on CD-ROM, and ASCII files of document text bundled with the CD-ROM index.

Presents letters from readers of ' Library Journal' concerning issues covered in the previous issues of the United States periodical. Measure of a librarian; Protection of legitimate users of libraries; Online searching by library users.

Focuses on a decision to buy microcomputers for the public's use at the St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis, Missouri. Emphasis on practicality; Background on the Library's Apple Corps program; How the library and how it has offered teaching assistance to those in need; Response to the demand for remedial education assistance; Approach; Details of the proposal; How the Apple Corps was set up; Problems with hardware and software; User response.

The author commends the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland for ending the practice of charging late fees. She mentions other libraries that break the tradition of charging late fees, her view on the importance for libraries to engage with patrons or prospective patrons as partners, and the benefits of a fine-free environment.

The article reports that all 23 branches of the San José Public Library (SJPL) in California will remain open for two additional days per week as of July 1, 2015 . Comments are noted from SJPL director Jill Bourne regarding additional library users who will be served by the increased hours. Also discussed is the renewal of San José's library parcel tax approved by voters in 2014.

The article discusses the concept of a reference library user experience (UX). Reference library UX should be unique, memorable, and should make a user want to return to the library. Steps that can be taken for libraries to improve patrons' UX are mentioned, including staff members and managers taking time to get to know their customers, and employees taking responsibility for their customers' experiences.

The article discusses the relationship between sustainable libraries and their patrons in the U.S. Topics discussed include role of libraries in empowering and energizing their users through services, libraries' support to the local community and participation in the localism movement, and how libraries can strengthen the social fabric.

The article calls on libraries to start acquiring books based on the merit of the work, not who published it. Topics discussed include a growing number of library users looking for self-published books, the old notion that books from traditional publishers are superior because they have professional editing, and the fact that many indie-released books are very well edited and feature very fine cover art.

The article presents a response to a case study that involves the way in which librarians should react to intoxicated patrons. The author feels that the intoxicated patron should be confronted in regards to their behavior. The author also suggests that incident reports should be used by librarians in order to document the way in which the intoxicated patrons are acting.

The article discusses how specific signages contribute to or detract from library user experience and offers solutions to the signage systems of libraries. Topics discussed include the author's experience of searching for the design used by the Iowa City Public Library (ICPL) prior to his visit, the redesigning of the signage and steps in creating a graphic design for the signage.

The article looks at the multimedia collections of U.S. libraries which are now carrying more mainstream DVD-format films. Sales figures of DVDs to libraries are noted and patrons, it mentions, determine the collection of the library depending on what they check out. Many libraries continue to invest in documentaries, how-to, and foreign language titles. DVDs are more affordable for libraries to purchase now than VHS tapes were in their heyday. Some libraries offer video games for rent.

Discusses a case study about the display of questionable art in a public library. How to address the situation when a patron disagrees with the location of a certain piece of artwork that was donated by a local artist because of its content; What to say to patrons if they have concerns about library art; Need for libraries to set standards for the type of displays that are allowed in the library.

Discusses how terrorists who were involved in the 9/11 attacks in the United States may have used public libraries to order airline tickets. Seizure of several library computers by investigators after 9/11; Issue of patron privacy; Comments on the USA PATRIOT Act.

The article discusses the significance of instant messaging to libraries and librarians. Maybe your library isn't using instant messaging (IM), but you can be certain that a good number of your users are. IM is also making inroads in the corporate world, on the desktops of more than 11 million Americans. With such a wealth of participants out there, it makes sense that librarians jump into the IM fray to make their services available to their unique audience via this technology. This is not just any audience; many IMers are those hard-to-reach Millennials who grew up in the 1980s with computers and don't think of them as technology. "IM is essential because it aligns library services with the preferred technology of this target population of users--a huge mass of future library and information users who could, potentially and scarily, become nonusers," says Stephen Abram, vice president of innovation at Sirsi. But is it reference? IM reference works in much the same way as do other flavors of reference--just think of it as a sped-up email transaction. Questions generally begin with a cordial preamble, just like at the reference desk. With IM, the reference interview doesn't float away in conversation, it's right there before you. The types of questions received via IM are similar to those received via telephone, and IM works well with what Ashley Robinson, librarian at Pennsylvania State University Libraries, calls "just in time" reference: questions about library services, phone numbers, or a URL. Emailing articles from subscription databases and getting immediate patron feedback are also great ways to employ IM. In the process, librarians can truly be their users' personal guide through the information ocean. INSET: Libraries That IM.