Adoption seachers' use of libraries - A pilot descriptive study

A small pilot study of the use of libraries by twelve adoption searchers wh o were participants in Kansas adoption support groups reveals that all type s of libraries were used in tile search process. Searchers' preconceptions about libraries and library services included a lack of distinction among t ypes or levels of libraries, a preconceived need to disguise what they were looking For (fearing lack of service otherwise), and the attribution of ne gative intent to staff who were perceived as unhelpful. Resources and servi ces used varied, but primarily included directories, old newspapers, and in terlibrary loan services. A discussion of findings is followed by suggestio ns for services improvement to this clientele.