The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Literacy and Reading Section is trying to help librarians address the question: "How can librarians effectively promote literacy and reading?" This guide is IFLA's second publication aimed specifically at librarians and related organizations who want to find ways to…

Prior to retiring from full-time librarianship to concentrate on readers' advisory (RA) consulting, teaching, and book and media discussions, Ted Balcom, longtime administrator of the Villa Park Public Library (VPPL), Illinois, repeatedly demonstrated a particularly effective approach to shoring up essential library support. Balcom, 1996 winner of…

America is facing what many have called the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, with one in ten Americans unemployed. It's no surprise, then, that the 2010 book-buying survey of public libraries is on the dark side. Representing some 100 institutions nationwide distributed equitably by size, type, and location, "LJ"'s annual survey…

In August 2010, "Wired" magazine declared, "The Web is Dead. Long Live the Internet." Citing the rise of IPad & Smartphone sales and the rapid explosion of application-based software to run various programs on multiple computing devices--but especially mobile computing devices--people spend more hours than ever connected to or "on" the Internet…

Since most libraries are now hosting their own web sites, this author advocates for a social network centered on the work of building and supporting resource-rich library sites. While there are already several social networks for books, books are just one thing that libraries make available. A social network that helps people share what they are…

The book has made the transition to the digital age; that much is certain. However, the jury is still out on what form or forms the book of the future will take and how libraries will adapt. This article is a look at the impact of digital books on public library acquisitions, including available formats, purchasing considerations, functional…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 14 books the author considers essential reading for public and school librarians working with teens. Lists books published through 1996. (PEN)

"A Feel for Books" is a book discussion series held for adult developing readers and their teachers and tutors. Students from various literacy programs serve as hosts for the five or six sessions held yearly, and project staff and tutors serve as facilitators. This resource book describes program activities and contains selected stories…

This handbook is designed to provide a comprehensive reference source about adult illiteracy for Michigan public librarians, whether or not they currently work with local literacy councils. Introductory material provides listings of members of the Michigan State Legislative Council and Library of Michigan Board of Trustees, and a listing of the…

Funded by the Library Services and Construction Act, the 1997 Florida Library Youth Program is an extension of the successful and long-running Florida Summer Library Program to help librarians provide year-round programs for elementary school-aged children. The goal of the program is to introduce children to the library and its services, and to…

This annotated bibliography lists over 400 books on Alaska recommended for consideration for Alaskana collections in public libraries. The core list is arranged in the following broad subject categories: (1) reference; (2) biography, memoirs, travel; (3) fiction; (4) history; (5) native culture/history; (6) native language dictionaries; and (7)…

A survey of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) information in libraries measured scope of information, scope of reference and referral patterns, and librarians' opinions on the adequacy of AIDS information relative to patron needs and community education. Librarians should take an active role in developing collections and networks about…

This annotated bibliography of multicultural literature for secondary students is designed to help librarians broaden and diversify their print and video collections with materials written both for and about African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans. The materials included are intended for middle, junior high,…

An examination of how well the Canadian public library is meeting the needs of the serious reader interested in self education, as compared to new and secondhand book stores and academic libraries, found that the public library is the most important and effective agency in providing materials for this group. (CLB)

This manual for the 1992 Texas Reading Club aims to use books as the major focus of all reading club activities and to provide a holistic view of library programing for the reading club and other summer library activities. Following an initial chapter called "Prepare To Set Sail" containing ideas for launching the club, particular…