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The article discusses the distinction between library patron data anonymity and patron de-identification, and studying patron behavior while maintaining their privacy. Topics include a description of The Seattle Public Library's (SPL) director position interview on customer behavior patterns, the definition of de-identification and anonymity, and how SPL used the de-identification approach. Also mentioned is the de-identified patron ID (DeID).

Provides information on a study which examined user needs, satisfaction, and performance of the University of Washington Libraries in Seattle. Details on library user surveys; Methodology and design of the user survey; Results of the survey.

Provides information on clustering being implemented by King County Library System in Washington. Combination of small libraries to be managed by a cluster manager; Effect of clustering on librarian's career and work schedules; Process of implementing a cluster staffing model; Advantages and disadvantages of clustering; Response of library patrons and the public.

Looks at the advantages of virtual reference services to library users. Features of virtual reference; Approach used by the Washington state government to virtual reference grants; Average questions a day being answered by libraries offering the service.

The article offers information on the effort of the librarians at Seattle Public Library (SPL) in Washington to support adult comics readers and promote the medium to new audiences. It states that SPL librarians have promoted comics to adult audiences through enhancements to collections, regular programming, and readers' advisory. It mentions that promoting comics to adults, kids, and teens will make these readers to feel welcome in libraries and expand their awareness in artistic medium.

The article provides an overview of two library technology sessions on trends and services in the library profession highlighted at the Washington Library Association (WLA) Conference in 2007. Rick Newell of the Online Computer Library Center presented "General Trends in Technical Services," which enumerated the developments in libraries including e-books. Also noted is that a web page was designed by the PNNL library, co-located with the Washington State University in Tri-Cities, to enhance the experience for its library users.

The article offers views from small library directors in Skagit County, Washington on the role of their libraries regarding the homeless and mentally ill users. Cynthia Harrison of the Anacortes Public Library notes that her library welcomes all people. Christine Perkins of Burlington Public Library notes that the library board strongly supports the right of all to use the library. Meanwhile, the Mount Vernon City Library tries hard to respect the dignity of all visitors.

Focuses on the status of virtual reference projects in Washington state discussed in a session participated in by virtual reference librarians in 2005. Factors attributed to the increase in use of virtual reference; Approaches in training reference staff to virtual reference service; Role of Washington State University's culture in the failure of its students to adopt the service.