This second edition provides key information, updated program ideas, and practical tips that will help library workers feel more prepared to serve members of this prevalent population. Since the first edition of this landmark guide was published, there has been increased interest in services for library patrons on the autism spectrum; indeed, more…

Many previous reports demonstrate that there is a significant need to drive innovation in adult learning and that there can be advantages to entering the market. There are 36 million low-skilled adults in the U.S. who can benefit from new approaches to learning. The effects of low rates of literacy, numeracy, and basic skills are widespread.…

The Friends of the San Francisco Public Library have compiled detailed information about its benefit book sales and presents it here as a guide for those who wish to organize sales in their own communities. The committees needed to operate the sale are listed, and the duties of the chairmen are described. Suggestions are given for collecting…

Discusses the development of a legal collection in the public library in terms of the breadth of the collection, ethical considerations involved in public access to legal materials, establishing a core collection, organizing the collection, and bibliographic aids. Fifteen references are listed. (CHC)

Requirements are detailed for those who want to obtain nonprofit status and recognition of exemption for their "Friends of the Library" group. Included are (1) a sample constitution, (2) a sample set of bylaws, (3) a sample form for Articles of Incorporation, (4) an application for recognition of exemption, and (5) a proposed budget. (DS)

Presented are guidelines developed when the video/cable study committee of the American Library Association examined the possibilities for the use of video technology and cable television to extend library services. Information is included on planning for implementation and use of video technology and cable systems. The nature of various video…

Designed to help librarians and trustees make informed planning decisions concerning the development or improvement of library literacy services, this manual discusses the following topics: (1) the problem of illiteracy; (2) identifying adult new learners; (3) providers of literacy services; (4) the library's role in literacy activities; (5)…

Provides an approach to dealing with donations and special collections for public libraries serving all sizes of communities with varying levels of funding. Highlights include guidelines for when to accept special collections, how to identify areas of need in the library's collection, and a special collection proposal form. (EM)

Based on ideas and suggestions shared at many workshops run by the Community Resource Centre Training Project, this guide presents information on and guidelines for developing a community resource center for use by persons who want to start a resource center but don't know how to go about it. Written in response to the desperate need for access to…

Disadvantaged adults who need the information a library can provide include those who are poor, in the minority, aging, institutionalized, or handicapped. Methods used to recruit these potential patrons may include the media, mailings, exhibits, posters and billboards, personal contact, classes, bookmobiles, speakers, and advisory committees. Some…

This report describes library applications of electronic bulletin board systems (BBS), i.e., telecommunications software designed to receive incoming calls from other computer systems. It begins by explaining the basics of a BBS; describing a typical configuration, i.e., a microcomputer and a modem connected to standard phone line bulletin board…

Public libraries do not always meet community information needs because librarians are trained to answer questions through books when often the best information in an area is from alternative sources. The government provides free information on investments, jobs, health, and legal problems; experts and clearinghouses are other good information…

This manual provides librarians with suggestions and patterns for decorations, promotion, resources (print, nonprint, and human), and activities and events for a community cooperative program providing library services to children during the summertime. Several ways in which the theme, Merlin's Midsummer Magic could be developed are suggested;…

Services to the elderly, institutionalized, and physically and mentally exceptional, who are unable to use the public library in its traditional form, are described in this guide to programs at the Inglewood (California) Public Library. Topics include: (1) overall library goals and activities; (2) functional and organizational structure of…

A guide to planning information and referral (I&R) services as an integral part of public library services is given. The guidelines cover: (1) the importance of support by the library board and staff; (2) the assessment of objectives, clientele, information needs, and sources of information; (3) making decisions as to the type and amount of…