The library in order to become a more serving, responsive, and vital institution, must incorporate processes and strategies which will help it respond to rapidly escalating change. Identified are new roles for the library that permit it to function in ways that facilitate human growth and development. (Author/AP)

Deals with the historical role of public libraries in the United States especially relating to the poor; the commitment on the part of libraries to serve the underserved growing out of the turmoil of the Sixties and the War on Poverty, and the effect of changing inner-city populations on the future role of libraries. (Author)

Identifies the role of the trustee in the public library and the responsibilities that accompany it. (Author/LLS)

Discussion of librarianship as practiced in rural areas of United States highlights advantages of rural environment which affect role of the library, i.e., interpersonal relationships, need for creative modes of information service, potential to provide insulation against personal anonymity, potential for impacting community, opportunity to…

This discussion of the importance of the use of public libraries by families argues that such knowledge prepares children for effective adult life and it is the responsibility of parents to encourage their offspring to use libraries. Fifteen references are cited. (LLS)

Describes projects supporting family literacy programs that were developed through collaboration between Bell Atlantic and the American Library Association (ALA). Highlights include examples of programs; collaboration with other agencies; resource services; public libraries and literacy; suggestions for program developers; and a list of grant…

Discusses the value of partnerships between libraries and other organizations, based on successful experiences at the Chicago Public Library. Topics include perceptions of public libraries; extending outreach programs; staff member potential; library mission statement; partner motivation; providing services to respond to community needs; and…

Before specific role of the public library in eradicating illiteracy can be determined, each library must determine the extent of the problem in its community; determine what is already being done; and analyze the library's resources. Specific involvement and goals must be determined for services to teachers and students. (EJS)

This paper presented at the 1987 convention of the Catholic Library Association explores the role of the librarian as a teacher in school and public libraries and among clienteles ranging from school-age children to older adults. (EM)

Calls for public library cooperation to meet the needs of the 10 to 20 million adults in the U.S. who cannot read. It is suggested that, in light of declining budgets, the appropriate special collections and services be made available only at certain designated libraries or branches within a system. (LLS)

Discussion of adult literacy and the role of public libraries focuses on the development of Adult Learning Centers based on experiences at the Hempstead Public Library (New York). The use of self-guided computer-assisted instruction is explained, and benefits are described. (LRW)

Discusses the current focus on the librarian's role as educator as the result of the report, "A Nation at Risk," by National Commission on Excellence. Publications identifying responsibilities of academic, public, corporate, and technical librarians are examined noting library role in creation of learning society and views on…

This article discusses the problem of adult illiteracy and offers guidelines to assist librarians in developing adult literacy programs based on results of the Los Angeles Public Library's Library Adult Reading Project. Federal and state funding, partnerships, plan of action, personnel, materials, operations, and equipment are covered. (EJS)

Defines at-risk adolescent students, including remedial readers, pregnant teenagers, handicapped students, speakers of English as a Second Language, and public library dropouts; and describes literacy programs that enhance self-esteem and establish the library as an alternative learning source, many developed in a literacy course at the University…

Effects of computerized systems in libraries are explored in five articles. The first discusses reasons why maintaining a collection of resources is strengthened rather than weakened by the existence of online databases. The remaining four describe the implementation and use of microcomputers in high school, elementary school, and academic…