Library service in the Illinois portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area

Objectives of the study were to describe the present role of public libraries in madison and st. Clair counties, to determine library development needs in these metropolitan communities, and to assess their library facilities in relation to library standards. Data for this study was collected from census reports, university faculty, annual library reports, mail questionnaires, interviews, and observation. The problems confronting all urban libraries are apparent here. Changing population, an urban core of low income groups, and educational improvements have created pressures on these libraries, forcing them to make certain changes in traditional library service. However, library development in these counties has not kept pace with many other urban areas. Recommendations emphasize meeting urban library problems and achieving minimum A.L.A. standards. Specifically, (1) elementary school library service must be expanded, (2) library systems should be formed, (3) library support in individual communities must be strengthened with the aid of increased taxes and federal and state funds, (4) a proposal for a library demonstration program in east st. Louis should be developed, (5) reciprocal use of libraries throughout the greater st. Louis area should be explored, and (6) minimum educational qualifications for librarians should be established. Appendixes include a bibliography of 24 items and the questionnaires used. (Jb).