Extending from existing research on how public libraries offer information literacy (IL) instruction through classes or programs, the purpose of this research was to explore how public librarians provide IL instruction through individual interactions with patrons. US public librarians recorded their impressions of instructional interactions over a…

The purpose of the research was to explore the collaboration between public libraries and schools in Hong Kong from the perspective of school librarians. Three school librarians were interviewed (semi-structured), and their responses were thematically analyzed. Collaboration between public libraries and the three schools was well received and…

In July 2008, over 14,000 public libraries throughout the U.S. received, free of charge, a set of fourteen Audio Guides introducing them to The Big Read. Since 2007, when the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, in partnership with Arts Midwest, debuted The Big Read, the program has awarded grants to…

The California State Library is charged with performing the following activities as defined by law. The State Library, under the direction and control of the State Librarian, an appointee of the Governor, has responsibility: (1) To collect, preserve, generate and disseminate a wide array of information; (2) To serve as the central reference and…

This paper describes a project that underscores the critical role of this nation's museums and libraries in helping citizens build such 21st century skills as information, communications and technology literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, civic literacy, and global awareness. Recognizing that every individual requires these…

Discussion of the social roles of public libraries focuses on the public use of central libraries in Toronto and Vancouver. Results support the notion that central libraries fulfill ideals of public place, and that private market interests represent a threat to its role as a public place. (Contains 99 references.) (Author/LRW)

Describes a survey of Ontario (Canada) medium-sized businesses that was conducted to investigate the impact of the public library on business success and discusses results that found a significant relationship between public library use and business success. A copy of the questionnaire used is appended. (Author/LRW)

This publication outlines approaches librarians may take to begin a literacy program in a public library or a literacy coalition in the community, and provides guidelines for writing a successful literacy grant application to fund the coalition. Ways in which a library may advance literacy and serve patrons for whom English is a second language…

The hypothesis of this study was that the use of the public library has a positive effect on students' reading achievement. Thirty-three fourth grade students in the below and above average reading classes and their parents were asked several questions about their public library use. The participants were asked about how frequently they went to…

Highlights some of the conditions affecting rural and small libraries and describes their roles in providing information services. Results of two research investigations report that for many Americans, the community library is perceived as a place for books and is used primarily by women. The complete survey instruments and results are appended.…

Noting that information is needed about libraries' roles in literacy activities in terms of the outcomes, the Library Programs Office of the U.S. Department of Education awarded the Division of Library Development a grant to develop a model that would evaluate literacy activities in such a fashion. A result of this effort, this library literacy…

This report is an evaluation of the Silver Edition II Project, a program to offer library-centered humanities programming to older adults. In the program local scholars in seven geographically dispersed library systems led discussion groups made up of 20 to 25 participating older adults. This evaluation focuses on the stated goals of the project:…

The purpose of this study was to document the educational activities being offered to citizens of all ages through Indiana's 239 public libraries. A mail questionnaire was distributed to every main library and branch in the state, requesting information on the kinds and numbers of education-related services and programs provided in 1987, and…

This study investigated the construct of effectiveness as it applies to public libraries and developed a methodology that can be transferred to other types of libraries and organizations. The research team began by compiling a list of indicators that are commonly used to gauge library effectiveness within the areas of: (1) services access; (2)…

Designed to assist individual public libraries in the development of policies and procedures, these guidelines include examples and/or samples of points that should be considered and addressed in a policy manual. Following a brief introduction, the guide is divided into four sections, each of which contains a set of general policy statements…