A place to call home?: A qualitative exploration of public librarians' response to homelessness

Labeled “third-sector” community organizations, public libraries serve homeless individuals by default. Using focus group interview data with library personnel, this qualitative study explored how public libraries in 8 urban and suburban communities in one Midwestern state perceived and served homeless patrons. Three themes emerged: (1) the recognition that libraries serve as makeshift shelters, (2) the inconsistent implementation of code of conduct policy regarding homeless patrons; and (3) innovative “under the radar” responses by administration and staff to resolve the tensions enacted by the presence of homeless persons in library facilities. Recommendations for staff training, internal policy revision, and enhanced collaboration between social service agency and public library staff are provided.     

The Implementation of a Renewal-Limits Policy at University Libraries,Northern Illinois University

Abstract

In 1991, the University Libraries of Northern Illinois University implemented a revised policy for renewals of library materials. Various system, staff, and patronrelated concerns required the access services department to adapt to immediate demands, then to seek longterm solutions. This case study examines the initial impact of the new policy, corrections, and new procedures that were adopted over time. It also examines ongoing issues related to renewals policy.     

借阅方式的变革方向--与林妩同志商榷

通过对图书馆开架借阅方式优缺点及现代信息环境对图书馆的影响的分析,提出图书馆的借阅方式应走向更加开放的开架方式。     

Let's Circulate: A Report on the 1st Annual New Jersey Access Services Meeting

In 2014, access services librarians and professional staff from various institutions all over New Jersey came together at The College of New Jersey, in Ewing Township, to discuss regional trends and issues in access services. Library staff at these institutions face many of the same issues from managing student assistants, to dealing with stacks management, and handling building security. The goal of the daylong meeting was to build bonds between access services staff at the different institutions, and to learn from one another's experiences during a series of roundtable discussions, and informal conversations over coffee and lunch. It was the first meeting of its kind in New Jersey and the organizers plan to make it an annual occurrence under the name Let's Circulate. This article is a summary of the first meeting.     

A Review of “The Kovacs Guide to Electronic Library Collection Development”

This article describes a computer program developed by the author to extract subject-level usage and inventory data from Aleph system reports and to track usage trends by subject over time. Two implementations of the program are detailed, at the Institute of Fine Arts Library and the East Asian collection at Bobst Library, both at New York University. Use of the program in processing inventory, in-house usage, and circulation data in greater detail is demonstrated. Information about usage trends within major Library of Congress subject areas provides collection managers with more precise data for use in a variety of collection management decisions. The article shows that the program offers significant new functionality for collection assessment.     

Does Access Services Have a Future?

Abstract

Access Services appeared as an organizational unit in libraries relatively recently, in response to some very specific trends in the library environment. Will this organizational model survive as new trends affect libraries in the future? This essay discusses some of the essential features of access services and speculates as to how they will evolve and remain relevant in the future.     

A Question and Answer Forum on the Origin,Evolution and Future of Access Services in Libraries

Abstract

Access services in libraries has a brief, but dynamic history and will have a vibrant future. It is time to assess accomplishments, but also to look ahead. Ten questions on general topics related to the origin, evolution and future of access services were posed to five members of the editorial board of the Journal of Access Services. Among them are represented a variety of perspectives, experiences, and expertise. They are, in the order of their responses as listed in the text: Mary Anne Hansen (MAH), Jakob Harnest (JH), Virginia Steel (VS), Joan Ellen Stein (JES), and Pat Weaver-Myers (PWM).     

Tracking reference statistics – evaluation of methods

Abstract

The use of a paper-based tally sheet systems for gathering reference statistics has been unchanged for decades. However, with new technology and data gathering tools being developed, libraries now have an alternative for gathering statistical data more efficiently. This paper will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both paper-based tally sheet forms and electronic tracking systems being used in libraries and will encompass a variety of commercial, open source, and homegrown products. Preference for either tool will be explored and determine reasons for a libraries reluctance to embrace new technology and keeping with old methods.