This overview traces the history of storytelling, outlines the development of storytelling in public libraries, discusses some contemporary master storytellers, presents some current practitioners of the craft, explores the controversy between the traditional and multimedia methods of storytelling, and surveys American Library Association (ALA) accredited schools which offer courses in storytelling. Appendices include information about storytelling organizations and workshops in the United States, a sample of the questionnaire sent to the 67 ALA accredited schools, and a compilation of the data solicited from those schools. A bibliography is provided. (FM)