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In 2000, Stately grants, earmarked to cover 50% of operational costs and purchases of mobile libraries in Norway, were proposed to be canceled. An intense lobby resulted in a transfer of operational costs to block grants. Grants toward the purchase of mobile libraries in Norway no longer exist. This paper discusses whether it is possible during economically hard times to maintain and even expand mobile library services. It addresses whether mobile libraries are a well-intentioned phenomenon that should be the first to go in difficult times, or whether this kind of service is so valuable that it will survive even fundamental changes within the financial and political framework. The paper looks into the history of Scandinavian mobile libraries to see what impact library legislation and financing has had on the development and decline of mobile library services. (Contains 10 references and 2 figures.) (Author/MES)

This paper discusses mobile libraries in Thailand. Topics addressed include: (1) justification for the mobile library project; (2) the different types of mobile library services (i.e., mobile train, bus, and boat libraries), including the objectives of each type of library; (3) how the mobile services were formed; (4) the uniqueness of mobile services; (5) planning the service for target groups; and (5) approaches to user education through mobile services. (MES)

This paper describes mobile library services in Thailand. Mobile library is defined as traveling or movable library activities in any format that visit rural districts or remote areas, where there is no other library service, on a specific schedule. Following an introductory section that addresses justification for and types of mobile libraries, several examples of mobile libraries in Thailand are presented. These include the Mobile Train Library, Mobile Bus Library, and Mobile Floating Library operated by the Informal Education Promotion Center, Department of Non-Formal Education, Ministry of Education, as well as bookmobiles operated by universities and library schools. (MES)

This paper reports case study findings that reveal diverse patterns of library and information services in five selected rural communities in Thailand. The case study involved site visits to examine documents, archival records, and library collections, to conduct individual focus groups and interviews, and to schedule observations. The patterns of library and information services included: rural public libraries, learning centers, and village reading centers under the public library system; a bookmobile service--part of a university library extension program; and a combined library within the school library system. The level of services of these patterns are discussed in relationship to the information policies, information infrastructure, and information needs and use. A number of recommendations are proposed to improve and promote the existing services. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/MES)

The need for a reconsideration of policy in the Utah library community is driven by three factors: (1) the success of the Upgrade Process and state development grants in developing local library service; (2) the rapid expansion of revolutionary network technology; and (3) changing patterns of federal funding. This paper focuses on specific programming and funding proposals for the following: library services for the blind and physically handicapped, county bookmobiles, development services, network services, and resource sharing and interlibrary loan. For each of these services, the policy context and rationale is described, program and policy proposals are identified, and funding requests for various fiscal years are outlined. The Utah State Library Division mission and role statement and guiding principles and assumptions are noted. A legislative funding request summary is also provided. (AEF)

This discussion paper raises important issues for the future of Utah's public library services, specifically, the state's bookmobile service. Federal dollars used to support daily bookmobile operations in 22 counties will come to an end with the expiration of the "Library Services and Construction Act" in 1996. Beginning in 1997, the State Library Division proposes that new funding and administrative relationships should be established. The concepts of fiscal capacity and financial effort in support of library service are proposed as central considerations in distributing additional charges to the counties, and in allocating state dollars to the counties for their library service. In addition, the counties will need to shoulder higher percentages of the total costs of services. State-funded library service "Development Grants" will continue and a state-funded "Transition Grant" should be given to the counties in 1997, 1998, and 1999, in order to give county library boards and officials time to establish priorities and adjust budgets. Three possible administrative models are proposed to govern the services in individual headquarters, beginning in 1997. These entail leaving local boards to play a restricted policy role (unified formula model); providing more flexibility to county library boards to structure the service to meet local needs (zero-based budget model); and transferring all physical assets to the county (county ownership model). The division also proposes that in 1996, each county should formalize 5-year library service plan, 1996-2000. Appendices include five tables of fiscal indicators of local government support for public library service in Utah using 1993 data, and a listing of county bookmobile headquarters. (AEF)

This final report describes the Inter-Agency Collaboration pilot project of the Wheatland Regional Library among the information providers within its boundaries. The project had four objectives: (1) to initiate discussion between participants about the mandate, roles, and services available to their clients; (2) to raise the image of public libraries as information providers in the pilot communities; (3) to develop mechanisms for sharing services within the funding jurisdiction; and (4) to participate in joint programs, projects, or activities appropriate to the mandate. An executive summary of the project is followed by information on its historical background, terminology, and objectives. The model for the process and the scope of the project are then presented. The phases of project implementation are listed, including a description of the survey of student use of branch and mobile library services. The methodology, survey instrument, and survey results, are also presented. Evidence of the project's results concludes the report and is organized in eight areas of collaboration: information sharing in networks; public relations and promotions; differentiated staffing; shared purchasing; automation; joint training; joint policy development; and joint funding. (Contains 13 references.) (JLB)

The survey reported here was part of a larger project, the Wheatland Library Inter-Agency Collaboration Pilot Project. This Student User Survey summarizes data and recommendations for improved collaboration between the schools and the Wheatland Library. This report presents the findings of the survey along with recommendations. It provides a perspective on the students' perceptions and attitudes towards reading, libraries, and using information. The report begins with an introduction and an overview of the Inter-Agency Collaboration Pilot Project. Next, the methodology of the survey is reported, followed by analyses of the data. These analyses, which make up the major part of the report, are organized in eight categories: participants in survey; library membership; reasons for not having membership; frequency of library visits; reasons for going to the branch or mobile library; collection analysis; other sources accessed for student information; and additional comments. Finally, a summary of the survey and recommendations based on the findings are presented. Data analysis charts and a copy of the survey instrument are appended. (JLB)

This final performance report for Groton Public Library's Project LIFT (Libraries Involve Families Today), an outreach program designed to promote literacy among low-income families, begins with a section that provides quantitative data. The role of the library in the project is then described; participating organizations and sites used are listed; and Project LIFT is discussed. An attached narrative report, written by Natalie J. Hinshaw, discusses the accomplishments of Project LIFT during 1992-93, focusing on the activities of a roving storyteller who conducted story hours at Head Start, day care, and family support centers, and presented workshops for adult audiences. Anecdotal evidence is used to show that the project realized its goals--to motivate children, parents, and caregivers to read together and to reach adults who have reading difficulty by allowing books to flow to them through their preschoolers. Statistics are included on sites visited, registrants, story hours, and other programs. Proposed and actual expenditures are compared. (MES)

A study of the information needs of rural services clientele was undertaken in New Mexico to define the services that the state library should provide. A survey about information needs was prepared and mailed to post office box holders, randomly selected, in rural areas of the state. In all, 1,200 surveys were distributed. Responses were received from 16 percent (195). Ninety percent of those returning surveys use public, school, or college library services. Reading interests cover a broad range of subjects and reading levels, and are consistent throughout the state. One hundred and thirteen households use the bookmobiles, and most prefer afternoon stops. Respondents indicated that videos were the service they would most like to see added, with books on tape and large print materials following. Costs of operating the bookmobiles were also calculated. The survey and cost study resulted in recommendations for improvement of the services and facilities, mainly new bookmobiles, to improve rural services. A timeline for accomplishing the recommendations is included. Appendixes contain the questionnaire, an analysis of responses, cost data, statistics for 1991-92, and a vehicle inventory. (SLD)

With encouragement from IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) and support from the government, over 150 mobile libraries have been established in Vietnam and have been in active operation for the last 10 years. Various models of mobile libraries suited to different areas have been identified, such as "Libraries on Cultural boats,""Book bags of border guards," and "Bookcases of Commune Cultural Post Offices." The role played by the government in supporting mobile libraries has been a very positive experience; the government has provided support equivalent to 33.2 million U.S. dollars for 400 district libraries and 1,100 school libraries for the last 7 years. Mobile libraries have been recognized as the most suitable and effective model in realizing the equality to enjoy culture and information in poor regions. The government advocates continuing to develop mobile libraries as a strategic measure to improve the cultural life of the population and to carry out the Declaration of UNESCO, particularly the guidance from IFLA related to libraries as gateways to an enlightened world. The Vietnamese government has promulgated the Ordinance on Libraries and approved the support program for district libraries and school libraries in the 2001-2005 plan. This is a solid basis for mobile libraries to develop and to improve life. (MES)

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)

An experiment conducted in 1975 tested the effects of two policy changes in five Oklahoma County Library System bookmobiles: (1) conversion to predominantly paperback collections; and (2) relaxation of overdue policies. There were two indicators of success: (1) the bookmobiles experienced a 26% increase in circulation during the year; and (2) the number of materials circulated and not returned proved cost-effective in terms of the value of paperback materials lost in circulation versus the predictable loss rate of hardbound materials. Data are summarized and policy implications discussed. (EMH)

The Vigo County (Indiana) Public Library received a two-year grant, under the Library Services and Construction Act, to improve services to the disadvantaged in urban and rural areas. A program was developed to use a converted bookmobile to deliver films, records, video tape, viewmasters, tape recorders, and other "new" media to the OEO Community Center area of Terre Haute and to several geographically isolated areas of Vigo County. This service was planned in cooperation with the various agencies serving these populations. A team from Indiana State University evaluated the program in terms of its objectives, and found that 1) the potential of the new media in public library programs was demonstrated, particularly the use of video tape; 2) excellent cooperation between library staff and other agencies, such as OEO and extension services was established; 3) the mediamobile provided media resources unavailable elsewhere; 4) the disadvantaged responded positively to the new media; 5) the information and assistance provided helped children improve their attitude toward and capacity for learning; and 6) the disadvantaged participated in the services equally with other citizens. A bibliography is appended. (LS)

A study was undertaken in rural areas of Nova Scotia, Prince Edwards Island, and Newfoundland, Canada, to investigate public library bookmobile services in comparison to book-by-mail service. A cost/benefit analysis was done with cost data taken from accounting information and benefits information derived from a questionnaire completed by library service users. Results showed that bookmobile services have the potential for a far greater variety and quality of service. (EMH)

The Library Development Division of the Washington State Library and the Library Futures Planning Task Force developed cost data and a computer simulation model in order to construct a series of alternatives for extending library services to areas of the state now unserved. User needs were assessed, and cost data were developed for mail-order delivery, bookmobiles, and new library facilities. A flow chart of the simulation model was constructed, and the sensitivity of the results of the simulation to changes in data were analyzed. Specific cost data is included for facilities, bookmobiles, maintenance, collections, and staffing. (Author/LS)

In a record of library activities in Wisconsin in 1974, the activities of the Division for Library Services are described along with the Wisconsin Library Network and the state and regional library networks, services, and resources. Lists of library and media organizations and education programs are followed by a directory of academic, public, school, and special libraries and school districts, by county. For academic libraries, statistics, a state summary, and a directory are given. A state summary, statistics, and a directory are provided for public libraries along with a state summary of mobile information services and a description of public library systems. A directory and statistics are provided for special libraries as well. (LS)

Educators in Newfoundland are recognizing the value of media programs and are requesting instructional materials in order to meet the various needs of their students. In response, the Government of Newfoundland made a $5.00 per pupil grant to school districts for the purchase of instructional materials during the 1970-71 school year and has raised it to $8.00 for 1975-76. However, most school districts in the province are unable to make maximum use of this grant since they lack either the trained personnel to purchase and organize the materials or the proper physical facilities to house and distribute the materials. The problem is especially acute in those districts and schools located away from the major urban centers. This report discusses various alternatives for providing adequate instructional materials to schools in rural Newfoundland. These are: individual school libraries, a school-housed public library, bookmobiles, use of volunteer help, and regional centralized libraries. (NQ)

Project FREDD was initiated in 1974 as a cooperative effort by library and mental retardation agencies in the Waterbury, Connecticut area. The project utilized a bookmobile to route a special collection of books, media, and games to the mentally handicapped and information on mental retardation to their parents and teachers and to the community. Bookmobile stops were scheduled at special schools, sheltered workshops, and programs sponsored by area associations for the retarded in many local towns. Patrons were allowed to return borrowed materials to their local library. Publicity was provided by letters to the community, by media and magazine coverage, and by the mobility of the project van itself. From the experiences gained during the project period, several recommendations were made for the continuation of this program or one of similar intent, including types of material which proved to be most popular, the use of the Connecticar system for returning borrowed materials, the scheduling of stops, and the type and size of bookmobile to use. It was concluded that Project FREDD had positive effects in this specialized area of library service. (Author/SL)

The Oklahoma County (Oklahoma) Library executed a six-month experiment in 1974 on one of its five bookmobiles to determine whether: (1) patrons would accept a primarily paperback book collection; (2) the cost of unreturned paperbound books in a no-fine and no-overdue-notice situation would be cost-effective when compared to the predictable loss of hardbound books and the resulting cost; (3) a category-arranged collection (rather than a cataloged one) would prove useful and acceptable to patrons. Paperbacks were proven to be even more acceptable than hardbacks, except that patrons did want access to bestsellers available only in hardback. In spite of a higher number of books unreturned, the dollar loss per 100 circulation was lowered by the use of paperbound books. It was considered practical, however, to send overdue notices to those with a large number of unreturned books. A circulation study showed that the categorical arrangement appeared to be acceptable to patrons, but some redesign of the topical categories should be considered. The success of the experiment led to use of the same system on the other four bookmobiles. (LS)

This booklet provides information on the third year of funding (fiscal year 1987) of the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), Title IV grant programs, which provides appropriations for Indian tribes and Hawaiian natives under two program cycles: Basic Grants and Special Projects. An explanation of the Basic Grants program is presented, with an appended table showing a breakdown of funding by activity for each tribe's basic grant. Details are given of each Special Projects award, including a map and funding summary. These summaries indicate how each grantee uses funds and highlight projects that provide members of the communities with the advantages and services of a public library. Hawaiian Natives Projects, which are funded under the Basic Grant program, are also listed, and information provided for each of the 16 projects includes its funding, its objective, and a brief summary of the activities to be accomplished. (CGD)