The Notable Children's Videos, Recordings, and Great Interactive Software for Kids lists are compiled annually by committees of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). This article presents the lists for 2009 that were released in January during the ALA Midwinter Meeting in…

HomeworkNYC Apps is a suite of tools designed to provide around-the-clock help to the estimated 1.3 million children and teens served by the libraries of New York City. Aimed at being a one-stop shop for all things homework related, the HomeworkNYC website offers access to library catalogs and databases, browsable subject guides, and even…

For children's book lovers, the world was infinitely glorious on Monday, January 26, 2009, as the winners of the American Library Association's (ALA) awards were announced at the midwinter meeting in Denver. But two days later, a drunk driver slammed into a taxicab, killing two children's librarians as they were on their way to the Denver…

Greater use can be made of fewer materials if there is public library and school library involvement in satisfying the library needs of all children. (Author)

Examines possible barriers to adequate reference services to children and young adults. Topics discussed include the effects of budget pressures and shifting priorities in public and academic libraries; equity in access to information; reference policies; communication between children and adult services staff and administration; multiple service…

The direction and development of public library services to children are of vital concern; but socioeconomic "status insecurity" on the part of chilren's librarians may confound their ability and willingness to fulfill both personal and professional commitments to librarianship and to children. (Author/CMV)

Identifies six areas of children's librarianship that need attention: definition of the role of children's librarians; clarification of the goals and worth of children's services; an improved professional image; determination of the appropriate education to enable librarians to meet changed circumstances; and a better understanding of what…

The major events, trends, and problems affecting school and children's and young adult library service which have made news in 1973 are discussed. (Author/SM)

The literature suggests that children's library services have declined because librarians have neglected to document, evaluate, and measure their programs. The collection of such data would help strengthen their position with administrators who are dealing with financial stringency. Suggestions are offered to help counteract the decline of…

There's no doubt about it: magazines can be a nuisance. They're easy to rip off, flimsy, and costly. The dogeared, thumb-smudged pages, missing subscription cards, and already-solved crossword puzzles and mazes (completed confidently in ink!) are sure signs that kids find magazines irresistible. Young children and teens love to flip casually…

Three articles present responses to Summers' predictions of fundamental changes in libraries caused by the use of technology. The discussions cover the role of children's librarians in shaping future users and perceptions of libraries, the positive effects of technology on services to children and young adults, and the need to base library…

A modified Delphi study was conducted to determine the motivating goals of coordinators of children's services and children's librarians. Goals are discussed in terms of their rating on a five-point scale, and ranked according to the mean for the priority ratings assigned them by all the respondents. (JPF)

A database for recordkeeping for a summer reading club was developed for a public library system using an IBM PC and Microsoft Works. Use of the database resulted in more efficient program management, giving librarians more time to spend with patrons and enabling timely awarding of incentives. (LAE)

The Orange County Public Library (CA) sponsors programing at the Orangewood Children's Home, a shelter for abused and neglected children. Programs include giving each child a book to keep and a library card, story times, and special programing. The library system now operates a branch at the home, and the librarian's position is being continued.…

Discusses the issue of intellectual freedom as it relates to videotape collections and the free circulation of tapes to patrons, particularly children. Research on the effects on children of viewing violence is reviewed briefly. Development of a procedure for handling complaints and clear guidelines for children's access to videos are recommended.…