Provides background on federal literacy programs and legislation. Proceedings of a national literacy forum for state libraries are summarized, and priority issues identified by participants are listed. The importance of the library role is emphasized. (MES)

Provides a history of the Captioned Films/Videos for the Deaf program and describes the kinds of films and videos available, including feature films and educational materials. Silent films are discussed; captioning processes are described; implications for librarians are discussed; and regional depository libraries for captioned films for the deaf…

Over 5 million students aged 6 to 21 received services under the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)" during the 2000-2001 school year. In partial response to this growing population of diverse learners, the relatively recent and highly controversial "No Child Left Behind (NCLB)" legislation has served as a…

In order for the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and depository libraries to assume their new role in the electronic environment, librarians need to examine their current technology, deal with political realities, and be critical of FDLP ideals. The FDLP needs to be reorganized into a new system of information centers to provide the best…

Examines the need for and uses of statistical data about school library media centers; describes data currently collected by the states; discusses national data collection efforts, including an increasing emphasis on output measures; recommends further actions that should be taken; and suggests future possibilities. (six references) (LRW)

Explains the history and organization of the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Highlights include participating agencies; data and information management needs, including the Global Change Data and Information System (GCDIS); and four sidebars that discuss GCDIS implementation, prototype projects, the library access, search, and retrieval pilot…

Reviews the role of public libraries in adult literacy and lifelong learning in the 25 years since the signing of the Adult Education Act. Discusses collaborative projects with other government agencies, and the public library's unique role of welcoming patrons whatever their educational needs might be. (43 references/notes) (EA)

Three articles on evaluation cover the use of the Internet as a reference resource and raise network policy issues: "The Internet as a Reference and Research Tool" (Edmund F. Santa Vicca); "NREN Update, 1993: Washington Policy" (Carolyn S. Elliot); and "Evaluating Physical Science Reference Sources on the Internet"…

Discusses features of the National Literacy Act that are of interest to librarians. Highlights include a new definition of literacy; cooperation between providers and government agencies; new programs, including state resource centers, national workforce strategies, services for prisoners, and family programs; amendments to existing legislation;…

Discusses the Wright State University (Ohio) Library policy directive on customer service, and suggests this document as a model to follow in setting up service standards or guidelines for depository-library services. Draft-depository library public-service guidelines for government information in electronic format are appended. (JAK)

Addresses perceived problems of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and the Government Printing Office (GPO) relative to a foundering program, electronic capabilities, costs to participating libraries, inefficient service, and accountability requirements. Unfavorable images have resulted and have been used by advocacy groups to bring the…

Provides a starting point from which individual libraries can evaluate continuation of their depository status. Many of the basic questions that a library needs to address are explored. Issues covered include availability of government information on the Internet, costs, and incentives. Recommended specifications for public workstations in…

In today's electronic environment, government information librarians face new challenges, especially in the arena of quality public-service provision. Given the lack of clear guidelines that Federal Depository Library Program participants follow, and based upon suggested guidelines of reference-oriented literature, a new set of public services…