Public libraries have long been considered important spaces of adult education and learning. However, major social changes over the past few decades, and the impact these have had on libraries' work, have received little attention. Our three-year cross-national study of libraries in Canada and Britain explored how librarians navigate the discourse…

The last 5 years have heralded a number of important changes to virtual libraries in academic and public settings. Despite this continual effort to improve library catalogs and websites, the fundamentals of these online spaces remain relatively unchanged. Digital collections are within reach of many libraries, yet they remain difficult to…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the work undertaken by Vancouver Public Library (VPL) in an effort to convert its website into a true virtual branch, both through the functionality of the website itself and by extending its web presence on to external social networking sites. Design/methodology/approach: VPL worked with its…

Through assistive technology, individualized support, and community-based activities, the Inclusive Libraries Initiative is increasing the capacity of rural libraries in Northeast Alberta to attract and serve patrons with disabilities, particularly developmental disabilities. Local public libraries are important natural supports for adults with…

Co-author of the popular titles "Booktalking Bonanza" and "The Early Literacy Kit", Betsy Diamant-Cohen brings together 18 examples of successful outreach partnerships that children's librarians and administrators can adapt to their own situations. Contributors from the U.S and Canada explain how they partnered with schools,…

Examines the collective agreements of Canadian public and academic libraries to determine the nature and frequency of technological change clauses. Findings indicate that overall, Canadian librarians have not been able to use the collective bargaining process as a means to claim a proactive voice in the introduction and integration of technology…

The paper describes the introduction of Web 2.0 techniques and tools at the Yarra Plenty public library in Victoria, beginning with library staff. The author argues that as libraries move from Web 1.0 type delivery systems to the social networking world of Library 2.0 librarians need to deploy and make accessible these radically different systems,…

In this study, 182 Canadian senior administrators, middle managers, and front-line librarians in public and academic libraries were asked to describe the nature of organizational change in their workplaces and how new technology affected the restructuring. Respondents agreed that financial pressure is driving most change and that technology is a…

The purpose of this guide to local history resources in Ontario (Canada) public libraries is to evaluate current trends, problems, and innovations, including the use of new technologies. The guide was developed from a survey of Southern Ontario Library System (SOLS) members; a total of 58 libraries provided information about their local history…

Describes the various digital collections and some of the challenges faced by the early digital project initiatives of the Saskatchewan school, special, public, and academic libraries. An appendix lists the digital projects by theme (history, news, sports, culture, first nations and metis, and literature). (AEF)

"Trends," a publication of the Canadian Association for Adult Education, is a collection of abstracts on selected subjects affecting adult education; this issue is on adult basic education (ABE). It covers teachers and teacher training, psychological factors relating to the ABE teacher and students, manuals for teachers, instructional…

This study was initiated by the Newfoundland Public Library Services (NPLS) to assess the feasibility of automation for the library services and to determine the viability of an integrated automated library system for the NPLS. The study addresses the needs of NPLS in terms of library automation; benefits to be achieved through the introduction of…

At the fourth Trinational Library Forum in 1994, librarians from the United States, Canada, and Mexico gathered to discuss topics of international librarianship. Presentations, some in English and some in Spanish with a brief English language summary, include: (1) "Perspectivas de la Produccion y Exportaciones de la Industria Editorial…

Eleven papers delivered for the Division of Libraries Serving the General Public at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions 1992 annual meeting are presented. Most deal with library services to multicultural populations, including those of developing countries. The following papers are included: (1) "Library…

Volume 2 begins with discussion of Hopkins Grammar School history, Greek language issues, and Justin S. Morrill's legislative career. Miscellaneous topics cover Indian Territory, backward children in public schools, U.S. engineering education, Christian Brothers schools founder St. Jean Baptiste de La Salle, public library development, Delft's…