By and large, there's more active learning going on in libraries these days than in most other places in this society. (Author)

The world has changed rapidly and violently since the author went to his first library. But, he still believes in the mystery and magic of language, the power of the printed word, and in the library as a vital literary center and sanctuary as well as a headquarters of social and community activity. (Author/SJ)

This description of a program in which public libraries serve as sites for mediation sessions discusses the advantages of mediation over judicial proceedings in resolving disputes in the neighborhood and workplace, the role of the library in this program, and the effects on the library's relationship with the community. (CLB)

As part of its bicentennial celebration, the Library of Congress is sponsoring the Local Legacies project, an unprecedented effort in which Americans across the nation work with their members of Congress to document unique traditions for the collections of the American Folklife Center. Libraries will have a critical role in directing documentation…

This fourth lesson in a continuing education course on legal issues affecting libraries and librarians discusses the library's rights and legal responsibilities in the areas of censorship and intellectual freedom, the Freedom of Information Act and patron privacy, problem patrons, and ethical considerations of library services. (14 references)…

Examines the role of libraries, particularly public libraries, in times of war. Discusses similarities between responses after World War Two and the September 11, 2001 attacks; government restrictions on information; American Library Association responses, including propaganda and libraries; and the library and the community. (LRW)

With its 50th anniversary series, the Great Books Foundation renews its partnership with public libraries to reach a new generation of readers through shared inquiry. Describes the beginnings of the Great Books movement, its influence on race and politics, the role of libraries, and the 50th Anniversary Series, which is, in part, a response to the…

Change Analysis; Discusses after-school homework programs in public libraries that help latchkey children and others who need extra support and encouragement. Considers changes in librarian's attitudes toward homework help; the history and need for community-based after-school programs; scholastic benefits for students; and library staff benefits,…

Summarizes the major findings of the Gallup Survey and discusses their implications for public library planning. (PF)

Ten top authors talk about how they use libraries; what they think of technology in libraries; the impact of libraries on society; how society values libraries; and how libraries helped inspire their writing careers. Authors include writers of novels, plays, poetry, historical fiction, nonfiction, and children's literature. (KRN)

Considers issues relating to children's access to information on the Internet in public libraries. Topics include censorship versus selection; First Amendment rights; the American Library Association's challenge to the Communications Decency Act; filtering software; and the role of the public library. (LRW)

Presents interviews with Fred Kent, founder of the Project for Public Spaces (PPS) and Phil Myrick, PPS's assistant vice president, about transforming libraries into desirable public spaces. Discusses qualities people value in public spaces; great library buildings and what they are doing right; the first thing library directors should do when…

Summarizes issues raised at the OCLC Conference on the Future of the Public Library, focusing on anticipated trends in technology and the library role. Areas discussed include the use of appropriate technologies, governance, demands for reference services, user fees, and the need for strong library leadership. (CLB)

An American delegation assesses how children are faring as libraries in China adapt to the contradictions of a socialist market economy. Discussion includes examples of public-, academic-, and school-library programs, librarian attitudes, technology, and future changes. (AEF)

Argues that the inability or refusal of librarians to define their own mission has resulted in school libraries without professional staff, academic libraries perceived as warehouses, and public libraries that fluctuate with society's whims. The premise that saving the library is a primary concern, regardless of the quality of the institution, is…