This issue of "The Bookmark" is a reader, containing a collection of articles that relate in some way to the history and development of the New York State Library and the library development programs for which this library is responsible. Most of the articles--which have appeared in earlier issues of the journal--provide brief views of…

This report presents the steps and actions that public libraries may take to begin to meet the needs for literacy training in their individual communities. Outlined are three major approaches that libraries can consider when addressing the literacy needs of their communities: (1) initiating a literacy program; (2) cooperating with an existing…

Explores the nature of the political ideology that justified and sustained conservative efforts to prevent the passage of the Library Services Act of 1956 and discusses implications for current efforts to secure reauthorization of the Library Services and Construction Act. Highlights include a historical account of actions by Congress and state…

Libraries will play a crucial role in meeting the goal of establishing the learning society mandated in "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform," the report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. The Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) in the Department of Education administers several…

This report, which considers the role of networking activities associated with the technical telecommunication links that bind libraries, services, and patrons together, begins with a historical review of libraries and automation-based systems over the last 19 years. The importance of the development and implementation of standards in interactive…

Public libraries can be instrumental in creating a learning society and alleviating the problems pointed out in "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform," the report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. In fact, public libraries have always played an important role in the nation's education and will…

Examines the federal government role in supporting libraries. Highlights include the Library Services and Construction Act; the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; the Higher Education Act; legislation proposing restructuring of the Depository Library Program; the development of the National Information Infrastructure; and the role of the ALA…

Discusses the roles and responsibilities of federal and state governments in providing funding for rural public libraries. Highlights include historical background, the Library Services Act and the Library Services and Construction Act, various types of state aid, and a model state plan in Pennsylvania. (LRW)

Provides a historical overview of library cooperative efforts, the roles identified for the cooperative library organizations and their members, and associated services. Examines the contributions that rural libraries make toward cooperation among all types of libraries and identifies challenges for rural libraries participating in networks in the…

This report summarizes the proceedings of a meeting which was convened to build a network of contact people to discuss current models of library-based literacy programs, and to focus on resolutions to be taken back to the states for the upcoming White House Conference in 1991. The almost 100 participants in the forum included state library staff…

Produced by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Division for Library Services (DLS) for use by applicants for Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) grants, this guide describes the funding categories and priorities, requirements and criteria by which grants are rated, and the grant review and award process. Recommendations of…

Developed through a joint effort of the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL), this planning approach to library development is designed to lead a public library through the developmental process and identify a series of actions that will direct it toward planning for excellence. Introductory material…

This executive summary reports on the findings from the State Library of Florida's "Evaluation of Statewide Youth Services Program" project. The project was designed to assist the State Library of Florida in developing a long-range plan for youth services and to link the public library effort to "Blueprint 2000," the Florida…

This publication outlines approaches librarians may take to begin a literacy program in a public library or a literacy coalition in the community, and provides guidelines for writing a successful literacy grant application to fund the coalition. Ways in which a library may advance literacy and serve patrons for whom English is a second language…

This report addresses the status of library development in Wisconsin, the needs and problems of libraries, and possible ways of meeting these needs over the next 5 years. These long-range plans developed by the staff of the Division for Library Services (DLS) reflect reports submitted to DLS, surveys, consultations with librarians and trustees,…