Preface

Changes in public library roles and services are addressed in this issue of Illinois Libraries. The article about the Joliet Public Library's successful effort to begin branch library service in the city's large shopping mall is particularly intriguing. The factors considered by the library in determining the outlet's location are useful to others who are thinking about library service in a mall. It was gratifying to note the immediate acceptance of the Joliet library outlet, which issued more than 3,000 new library cards during its first six months. Library directors and trustees who are contemplating the options for a new service outlet in their communities will find the Joliet experience enlightening and useful.

Two years ago, Jack Hicks from the Deerfield Public Library wrote an article for Illinois Libraries entitled "Cappuccino Bars and Fragrance Gardens." The article was developed from his presentation at a state library program at the Illinois Library Association annual conference. The program looked at the impact of super bookstores on public library services. This issue includes a related article about whether libraries should provide coffeehouse atmospheres like the big bookstores. Kristin Kloberdanz, a graduate journalism student at Northwestern University, based her article on telephone interviews with a dozen people, primarily public library directors in north suburban Chicago.

An article was published last year in Illinois Libraries that analyzed success rates of various types of library referenda since 1977. Stanley Adams has updated that article to reflect the 1995 referenda, and his report is included in this issue.

Other articles in this issue cover themes present in other issues of the journal, library buildings, electronic access, and funding. The Illinois State Library's goal is to make the publication as helpful as possible to the Illinois library community.

Kathleen L. Bloomberg
Editor, Illinois Libraries

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