Describes the history of the Robbins Library in Arlington, Massachusetts, which grew from a couple of wheelbarrow loads of books in l835 to a collection of 130,000 volumes in l985. (EL)

This description of the Community Information Needs/Library Services (CIN/LS) program addresses what the study team observed as a series of problems related to the public library's role in the delivery of information to rural citizens. (Author/FM)

This pamphlet focuses on the concept of information and referral (I&R) as a system and describes seven highly effective I&R systems that bring together people in need with the human service agencies that can help them. It is noted that when thinking in terms of I&R systems, attention must be directed to the overall quality of the structures and…

This issue contains 21 articles discussing library-sponsored literacy programs, tutoring and programming techniques, and state and national efforts. The articles include: (1) "Beyond Decoding: Literacy and Libraries--Introduction" (Amy Spaulding); (2) "Libraries: Natural Centers for Literacy" (Jacqueline Cook); (3) "Kids…

This review of the current status of combined school-public (community) libraries in Vermont acknowledges that, while on the surface the concept appears to be just the answer for many communities with limited funds and other resources, it also raises many questions about the nature of library service to a community. The paper provides: (1) a brief…

This document includes papers on public libraries which were presented at the 1985 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference. The first paper, "International Guidelines for Public Libraries," is the report of an IFLA working group and it includes guidelines in six areas: public library services; media of…

Following an outline of the educational facilities available for the children of the Sorb minority, the author describes the publication and distribution of children's books in the Sorb language in the bilingual districts of Cottbus and Dresden in the German Democratic Republic. (Author/CWM)

Two papers on mobile libraries were presented at the 1983 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference. In "The Development, Tasks, and Organization of Mobile Libraries in West Germany," Horst Buschendorf describes the history of mobile libraries in West Germany since 1926 and notes that there are currently 150 such…

Papers on public library service to rural areas, which were presented at the 1985 UNESCO/IFLA (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization/International Federation of Library Associations) presession seminar are compiled here and include: (1) "Characteristics and Needs of Various Groups, Families, and Other Community…

This document contains two papers on library services in prisons which were presented at the 1985 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference. In the paper, "Library Service in Prisons/Correctional Institutions," Phyllis I. Dalton (United States) proposes that the IFLA Section on Libraries Serving Disadvantaged…

The revival of exhibitions has been occasioned in part by a wave of renovations taking place in libraries across the country. Exhibitions of library materials promote awareness and use of library collections and can serve as a "hook" to stimulate reading. Public response to library exhibition programs in major cities is enthusiastic. (SD)

This examination of the relationship between illiteracy and the labor market in California describes in general terms the effects of widespread illiteracy on employers, the unemployed, employees, and the California economy. It discusses current programs which address the lack of basic literacy skills in the labor market, and identifies some of the…

This report provides a summary and evaluation of a retreat held for the directors and literacy coordinators of the 46 public libraries participating in the California Literacy Campaign (CLC), their supervisors, State Library staff, and members of the California Library Services Board. Following a brief introduction and overview, descriptions of…

This booklet, with a physical workout "get-in-shape" theme, is intended to stimulate cooperation between public and school libraries in providing services to elementary and secondary level students. The potential benefits of cooperation are cited, including sharing ideas and materials; reaching a wider audience by sharing publicity for…

Describes major influxes of immigrant populations in the United States in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, their impact on library services, and literacy programs for multicultural populations established during this time period. Questions about past and current missions of the public library are considered, and the work of librarian…