As more and more New Yorkers turn to digital books, Wikipedia and other online tools for information and entertainment, there is a growing sense that the age of the public library is over. But, in reality, New York City's public libraries are more essential than ever. Far from becoming obsolete, the city's three public library systems--Brooklyn,…

Illiteracy is a huge problem, socially, economically and educationally. This study of the history and current practices of American public libraries examines their role in supporting the development of human literate abilities and in helping all Americans to be critically literate in order to participate fully and successfully in our society. This…

First published in 1957, following a battle with nervous lawyers, "The Uses of Literacy" is recognized as one of the founding texts of cultural studies. Its critique of mass culture reverberated far beyond that discipline. It influenced the librarians of the day who were beginning to think about issues of class and consider their…

Examines the public library's role in adult literacy education in Australia in the past decade. Identifies areas of library services and staff training that need to change in response to the need of literacy programs. (SK)

Report on the role of public library services in adult literacy education highlights the nature of service clientele, literacy program development in the United States and Australia, literacy research projects, patterns of service, library collection development, and librarian training. Footnotes are given. (EJS)

Paradoxically, for reasons both philosophical and practical, public libraries are uniquely positioned to assist the 72 million Americans who, by virtue of being illiterate or marginally literate, are not ordinarily library users. A formal link between libraries and literacy can be traced back to the 1920s when the American Library Association…

The purpose of this report is to present a public forum expressing the views of the people of New York and their thoughts on the role and needs of New York's Libraries. Exhibit One provides a brief overview of New York's libraries and the New York State Archives, and the roles which these systems play as part of the state's library systems.…

This document contains the proceedings of three days of hearings on a discussion draft of a bill to reauthorize the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA). This draft which contains a number of modifications from the current law, would expand the role of libraries as information centers for the community. While the original Library Services…

This paper examines the factors that contribute to a library's decision to become involved in adult literacy and the service roles assumed by a given library. Common library literacy service roles (i.e., collections, services in support of local literacy efforts, and direct instruction) are discussed and profiles of the types of libraries that are…

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)

Designed to help librarians and trustees make informed planning decisions concerning the development or improvement of library literacy services, this manual discusses the following topics: (1) the problem of illiteracy; (2) identifying adult new learners; (3) providers of literacy services; (4) the library's role in literacy activities; (5)…

This publication is intended to assist Wisconsin's public libraries and public library systems in providing service to adults with special needs (ASN). Twelve chapters cover the following topics: (1) planning for success, including planning services and measuring progress; (2) a Wisconsin vision for the future, including creating the vision and…

This report, in two volumes, is a study of the role and future of public libraries in adult literacy that involved a survey of 200 professionals--state librarians, state library literacy contacts, heads of state literacy resource centers (SLRCs), and local library literacy program heads. The first volume describes the study findings in seven…

The role of libraries with regard to post-literate people is to provide suitable follow up reading material for these people so that they do not relapse into illiteracy. A public library service plays an indispensable part in any progressive educational system. It is particularly essential for the success of any literacy campaign and the adult…

Discusses the role of the public library in adult lifelong learning and literacy programs in light of federal legislation. Topics include funding issues; the librarian's role in fostering attitudes of creation and recreation; and the role of education for librarianship in preparing graduates for work with adult lifelong learners. (Contains 49…