Founded in the 1850s to promote an informed citizenry, public libraries advanced both adult learning and citizenship education in the first half of the 20th century, thus becoming cornerstones of democracy. But with a more recent decline in public engagement in libraries and beyond, librarians question whether democracy requires more than an…

Everyone is living through a period of considerable demographic change, which is predicted to continue and escalate. People are living longer and, generally, healthier lives, and the lifelong learning system in the UK needs to catch-up with this new reality. There is a need for a much more flexible approach that offers choice and opportunities to…

This paper will address how the digital divide affects distance education. Lack of access for some students does raise concerns. Access to technology is often defined by what students don't have: what is called a digital divide. Access also is defined by the speed of Internet connections. Access in the future will be even greater as more computers…

Discusses how libraries have the potential to support and motivate adults wanting to improve their literacy skills. Reports on a British initiative to bring together libraries and basic skills providers. (Author/JOW)

Traces the history of the Harry Lasker Library at the Highlander Research and Education Center near Knoxville, Tennessee, from the first book donations in 1933 to its revitalization in the mid-1990s. Discusses the role of the library as a resource center supporting nonformal education for social activism and the contributions of librarians Hilda…

Examines the role of public library services in adult literacy education, the definition of literacy, the nature of service clientele, literacy program development, literacy research projects, patterns of service, materials service, and librarian training for such services. References are given. (FM)

Reviews the accomplishments of Ernestine Rose, a pioneer in providing library services to Blacks in Harlem from 1920 to 1942. Her activities included involving community leaders in library governance; establishing a separate collection of Negro materials; work with the Negroes Round Table of the American Library Association; and the Harlem…

A project was initiated to develop a cooperative relationship between local adult education programs and public libraries. It was hoped that this relationship would result in greater use of library services by undereducated adults. In return, it was anticipated that libraries would refer undereducated adults to adult education programs. While all…

Ten articles focusing on adult learning services in public libraries highlight global trends, support for intentional change, counseling and information needs of adult learners, adult learner services at Pratt Library and North York (Ontario) library, process of learning, administrative considerations, political factors, and implications for…

This final performance report for the Brooklyn Public Library Literacy Program begins with a section that provides quantitative data. The next section compares actual accomplishments to project objectives for fiscal year 1992 in the following areas: (1) redevelopment of the tutor training, including redesign or addition of the writing process,…

A two-year research project funded by the British Library with the objectives of analyzing and assigning the role of the public library services in the development of educational advisory facilities for adults is discussed. The project has produced a new directory of services in operation. (MLW)

The integration of library user education into the general education curriculum is discussed in 25 articles. Major areas covered include bridging the gap between high school and college; library skills in community colleges; library skills in colleges and universities; library use skills for off-campus programs; and issues related to…

Discussion of distance learning and new information and communication technologies focuses on the role of the library. Highlights include the need for lifelong learning; online courses; adult training needs; new technologies in education and training contexts; digital libraries; acquiring, storing, finding, and filtering information; and user…

Emphasizing the "people" context of the work of librarians in off-campus libraries, this paper argues that intelligent use of technology ought to drive librarians toward a more sophisticated approach to the existing strengths, learning goals, and living and learning style preferences of distance learners as they cope with the stresses of their…

Intermountain Community Learning and Information Centers are the result of work begun in 1977 by Utah State University and are based on use of rural libraries in a new information and education function. Support from the Western Rural Development Center permitted the Cooperative Extension Services, state libraries, and continuing educators from…