Describes the characteristics and principles of operation of special collections of children's literature, including scope, history, edition and association, physical plant, limitations, staff and networks, users, funding, and overall benefit to the public including children. Examples are used to illustrate the topics, and a 22-item bibliography…

Describes a survey of user satisfaction among 300 young adult patrons at 2 urban libraries, 1 with special staff and programs and 1 without. Issues involved in specialization and the study methodology are presented. Nine conclusions about the effectiveness of young adult librarians and other services are drawn from the survey. (Contains 19…

Proposes that librarians and teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) form partnerships, and describes roles and suggested activities of librarians and teachers in such a partnership. ESL collection development is discussed, covering funding, selection, foreign language materials, nonprint materials, and the professional collection. (11…

Describes the Parent Resource Library in the Children's Museum of Houston that focuses on early childhood development, parenting, and family enrichment. Discusses the collection; the partnership with the Houston Public Library; the facility and personnel; resources; and future plans. (LRW)

Practical advice to help librarians prepare for and face challenges to the content of their library collections includes suggestions for developing selection policies and networks of support, as well as a recommended course of action for librarians in the event of a challenge. (MAB)

Provides elementary and middle school library media specialists with criteria for evaluating poetry collections, including balancing contemporary and traditional poetry and responding to children's preferences; discusses ways to promote poetry with both students and teachers; and includes a selected bibliography of 60 recommended poetry books.…

Describes a program at the Waterford Public Library (New York) that expanded existing outreach efforts to children in local preschools and a local childcare center, while adding services to a preschool play group. Discusses costs, the creation of story kits that included picture books and related activities, and evaluation results. (Contains 16…

Reports on a study that examined collections of biographies of women in four elementary school libraries. Data are presented on collection size, distribution of male and female biographies in proportion to the student population, representation of ethnic groups, literary quality, and currency. A list of 49 recommended women's biographies is…

Examines gender bias in young adult literature collections and advocates selecting and promoting materials that help youth develop positive views of females and an awareness of the obstacles women face in overcoming sexual stereotypes. A sampling of 9 titles is described, and an annotated bibliography of 19 additional titles is included. (Contains…