A sound that’s almost synonymous with visiting a quiet public library — the clacking of fingers on public computers — is slowly slipping toward possible extinction. In analysis of public library data ...

Public libraries have traditionally offered access to materials that citizens do not personally own. These materials may include periodicals, reference works as well as sound and video recordings.

American libraries are buffeted by cross currents. Citizens believe that libraries are important community institutions and profess interest in libraries offering a range of new program possibilities.