Citing the American Library Association's 1964 statement of libraries' responsibilities to the aging, this paper presents a needs assessment of the elderly and suggests methods by which public libraries can attempt to meet some of these needs, e.g., barrier-free design, programs, materials, and services. The needs assessment of older users…

Theme article on developing local history collections in public libraries begins with a discussion of collection development, and continues with sections on technical services, the library environment, staffing, programing, and marketing. A bibliography and directories of used and rare book dealers, genealogical publishers, professional…

This study reviews trends in public library finance; examines recent political, economic, and technological changes; and assesses the impact of these changes on public library services. A history of the public library in America is presented, as well as an analysis of the principles of economics and public finance which reveals that current…

This chronology highlights milestones for libraries and adult lifelong learning and literacy from 1924-2001, including the following events: William S. Learned's "The American Public Library and the Diffusion of Knowledge" is published (1924); establishment of the ALA (American Library Association) Adult Education Section (1946); the…

Discusses various aspects of home schooling, including reasons that parents choose home schooling, two major schools of thought on home education, historical perspectives, and legal issues. The role of the public library is examined and some services offered to home schoolers are described. A bibliography of books for parents is provided. (10…

Discussion of techniques of response to the reference query from public librarian's point-of-view covers patron's need-motivation; structuring library instruction program (teaching skills related to encyclopedia use, library instruction on special subjects-health); and assisting patron in gathering materials on-site and through use of…

Focuses on intellectual freedom, discussing the role of libraries, the Berlin Wall and banned books as attempts to restrict intellectual freedom, and controversies surrounding filtering software. Contains an annotated bibliography of intellectual freedom resources, presented in five categories: general; government and legal issues; access and…

This annotated bibliography is a compilation of books, articles, ERIC documents, and dissertations on censorship and intellectual freedom that were published between 1976 and 1988, representing approximately 50 authors. Its target audience includes librarians, English teachers, journalists, and laypeople. One third of the 60 entries include…

In September 1988, the Public Library/Trustees Section of the Kansas Library Association, with the support of the School of Library and Information Management at Emporia State University and the Kansas State Library, held a conference on economic vitality. Following a "Review and Preview" by Martha Hale, Dean of the School of Library and…

Provides guidelines for young adult librarians developing nonprint media collections. The discussion covers the formation of collection development policies, the need to involve the community in policies, and material selection criteria. Bibliographies of guides and reviewing sources are included. (CLB)

Since no local library can meet the information needs of the community on its own, librarians and local policymakers must look to other existing agencies and channels for support. In every locale are agencies, organizations, and governmental and social service units that daily gather, compile, and disseminate information as one of their missions.…

This report presents current and potential library applications of new technologies, issues surrounding their introduction into public libraries, and activities suggested for use during the introduction procedure. A brief appraisal of the public library's role in the information transfer process precedes a review of library automation in…

This manual is designed to help public libraries in Arizona plan their summer reading programs. The theme of the 1993 Arizona Reading Program is circuses. The material in the manual is prepared for libraries to adapt for their own uses. Topics covered include: goals, objectives, and evaluation; procedures for getting started; common summer program…

Discussion of the use of comic books and graphic novels in school and public libraries highlights the role of school library media programs; how to use comics and graphic novels in teaching; the Japanese use of comic books; their use in literacy education; and the influence of comics on reading habits. (LRW)

Theme issue shares experiences of librarians who have done oral history projects in school, parish, and university libraries throughout Louisiana. Articles cover the roles of the library and of oral history, how to begin projects, and how to involve students in the production of tapes and their organization for retrieval. (CDD)