Provides background on federal literacy programs and legislation. Proceedings of a national literacy forum for state libraries are summarized, and priority issues identified by participants are listed. The importance of the library role is emphasized. (MES)

Examines several population trends important to library community suggested by "1980 United States Census of Population"; i.e., increases in number of elderly Americans, citizens living in rural areas, and cultural minority groups. Differing information needs, library service policies, and special planning required to provide access to library…

Discussion of cultural diversity in a rapidly changing population focuses on efforts at the San Jose Public Library to respond to cultural and demographic changes. Obstacles to responding are reviewed as well as positive responses, which include creation of policy statements, developing goals and objectives, administrative reorganization, and…

Provides an overview of the American Library Association (ALA) 1991 midwinter conference. Highlights include federal legislation, the organization of library support staff, fees for library services, library collection preservation policies, electronic access, access policy guidelines for academic libraries, reference staffing for electronic…