This series is concerned with the planning, program implementation, and development of library services in the state. Supportive material includes research studies contracted by the Library, formulations of standards of library service compiled by state and national library associations, and related material. The Basic State Plan and Annual Program for 1971-1972, the Long-Range Program for 1973 to 1977, and the Long-Range Program for 1980 to 1984, were prepared in compliance with the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA). Included are an assessment of the library and information needs of citizens; the missions, goals, and objectives; and/or policies, criteria, priorities, and procedures for the allocation of LSCA funds. Tables, charts, and maps illustrate various aspects of library services; e.g., services to the blind, library education, etc. Where Do We Go From Here? was a planning and evaluation manual for librarians and trustees prepared by Elizabeth Parks Beamguard, Mozelle Brown Cummings, and Beverly A. Rawles in 1973. It was written for librarians and trustees of small libraries or of little experience for future planning in relation to LSCA. It concerns library services, the needs of persons to be served, and the role of the local library in relation to statewide library system development. Several sources provided information on the needs for library services, including the recommendations from the governor's conferences, which are contained in another series. In 1978 A Study of Organization and Governance of Alabama State Library Systems by John Hall, Project Director, of the Public Administration Service (Chicago and Washington, DC), recommended a model for organization and funding of multi-type library cooperation based on a review of past developments and current conditions, together with proposed changes in state library legislation and related regulations. The report has also been called "The Systems Study" and "The Hall Report." Priority I: Alabama's Library and Information Needs of the 70's was a report in 1973 by B.A. Rawles and the Battelle/Columbus Laboratories (Ohio). Major recommendations included an increase in state appropriations, provision of new facilities for state library agencies, identification and coordination of statewide information and library services by the state agency to provide maximum service for the user, and the development of library systems or regions to permit total participation of all counties in the state. A study to determine the priorities for public libraries as perceived by administrators, chairpersons of boards of trustees, and library users was conducted by the Graduate School of Library Service of the University of Ala. and published in 1986. It was prepared by Neal Kaske, Annabel Stephens, and Phillip Turner. The above research studies were contracted by the Library Service and funded (one partially) by the Library Services and Construction Act. All contain extensive tables, graphs, and charts which measure comprehensive aspects of library service. Executive summaries accompany the reports. The standards for public libraries were compiled by the Committee on Standards of the Division of Public Libraries, Ala. Library Association, in 1966, and a revision was proposed in 1973. Also included is a summary of standards for library functions at the state level, which were developed by the American Association of State Libraries. The standards describe the organization, financing, and physical facilities of libraries as well as policies for personnel, interlibrary cooperation, etc. Finally, this series contains miscellaneous papers which relate to the above subseries. This series is useful in tracing the initial planning and development of regional libraries and systems in the state. It also documents the role of leadership of the state agency toward its mission of assuring excellent information and library services to all citizens of the state.
