Alabama Public Library Service 1996 Annual Report.

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Annual Reports; Library Automation; Library Expenditures; Library Facilities; Library Funding; Library Materials; Library Networks; Library Personnel; Library Planning; Library Services; Public Libraries; State Agencies; Technology Integration

The Alabama Public Library Service is charged with improving library services throughout Alabama to ensure that all citizens have access to quality library and information services. The agency is responsible for administering federal and state funds for the more than 200 public libraries in Alabama. Building renovations were completed in April 1996. The Technical Services and Support Services departments were merged to form the Technical and Automated Services department. Refinements were made throughout the agency in all areas in the use of automation and technology. Most of the year was spent preparing for and learning to use the SIRSI Library Automated System and expanding the local area network. By the end of the fiscal year, staff had begun preparing for the agency-wide implementation of Internet and World Wide Web access. The Information Services division was created as part of the new organization plan for APLS, and includes the Reference and Interlibrary Loan, Government Documents, Circulation, and Audiovisual departments. The Summer of Champions summer reading program was a rousing success, with Alabama youngsters reading 16.2% more books than last year's summer program. Special appearances were made by Olympic gold medalist Willie Smith and Izzy, the 1996 Summer Olympics mascot. The Blind and Physically Handicapped division circulated 143,185 special format titles to its patrons, and began serving 942 new members. Another new division, Networking, Development & Planning, coordinated the implementation of SIRSI. For fiscal year 1996, the executive board approved $1,237,999 in Library Services and Construction Act grants. State aid totals are provided. (SWC)

1998

ED415866