Search

The article discusses the effort by libraries in the U.S. to provide the experience of serendipitous discovery through book bundles and grab bags in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. Topics include the options offered by the Madison (Wisconsin) Public Library (MPL) to meet patrons' specifications, the book bundling service developed primarily by Marie Cannon, head of circulation at the Robbins Library in Arlington, Massachusetts and benefits from book bundles and grab bags.

The article considers U.S. public libraries which have received Five Star ratings for their quantity of services from the publication in its annual surveys of public libraries every year from 2009-2012. Libraries cited for this accomplishment including the public libraries of Bernardsville, New Jersey, Centerville, South Dakota and Naperville, Illinois.

The author talks about changes in library program planning. He states that public programs have been a staple for American library services for some time and suggests the popularity and growth of new programs in libraries have forced librarians to develop new methods to create and deliver library programs. He comments on the need to consider current demands of the public in program planning and how new programs brings new people to libraries which increases pressure to restore library budgets.

Focuses on the Virtual Village Communication Center of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in Charlotte, North Carolina. Description of the renovated technical-services space, which has workstations using high-speed T1 Internet connections and general office-productivity software; Background on the computer lab and how it was designed to give the entire community access to computer technology, information, instruction, and services; Author's views on usage of the computer stations and assistive technologies for the disabled.

Reports on the development of the 'non-program' by a group of Connecticut public libraries which encourages library users to stay home and read one night a week.

The article reports that while more than 99 percent of public libraries in the U.S. offer Internet access, many have not kept up with increasing infrastructure demands, which may have implications for demand at academic libraries. An average of 10.7 public access workstations are owned by public library branches, the article notes. Bandwidth speed has slightly declined, with 62.1 percent of public library branches having connection speeds of greater than 769kbps. Nearly 80 percent of libraries also claim to have insufficient workstations some or all of the day.

Reports on a library program in Houston, Texas which will give library card-holding residents free access to email, word processing, spreadsheet software and document storage space. Positive reaction to the program; Technological facilities at the libraries; Cost effectiveness of the program.

The article focuses on a 2008-2009 study by the American Library Association (ALA) about funding and technology access in public libraries. Results of the study indicated that over 71% of libraries claim that they stand as the sole source of free access to computers and the Internet in their respective communities. Job-seeking services were regarded by the libraries as one of the most crucial online services offered. About 38% of libraries experienced budget increases at or above the inflation rate.