The Cullman County Public Library System is a part of two research studies aimed at improving the effectiveness of library services across the nation.

County Librarian John Paul Myrick recently teamed with Jose Aponte, Director of the San Diego County Public Library (CA) and Sandra Rios-Balderama of the American Library Association Office of Diversity in presenting a program entitled "Equity of Choice: Comparing Outreach Services Through Cost and Equity" at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois on June 25th. Myrick's portion of the program on the cost-effectiveness of bookmobiles and outreach services is part of a national study on the part of members of the Association for Bookmobile and Outreach Services and the American Library Association Office of Literacy and Outreach Services to develop a national formula which can be utilized in determining costs for this sector of public library services. Numerous libraries in the country along with CCPLS are participating.

CCPLS has also been selected by the American Library Association's Allied Professional Association and the ALA Office for Research and Statistics as a participant in the National Library Salary Survey. This survey is conducted among selected libraries annually and helps the ALA and libraries set appropriate salaries for library and information services professionals and paraprofessionals. CCPLS has been a part of the national survey for several years.

" Our participation in this important research work reflects on the quality of services we provide and the caliber of our professional staff and employees." Said Library Board Chairman Ronald Hogue. "This is not the first time that we have been a part of national studies. We have a public library system with national recognition right here in Cullman County, and thats something that we can all be proud of."

CCPLS is a single-county library cooperative in North-central Alabama serving 80,000+ persons through a central library, 5 branch or member facilities, a bookmobile and various outreach services. Founded in 1928, CCPLS is one of the 15 largest public libraries in Alabama.