In many of the New York City neighborhoods hit hardest by the pandemic, libraries are among the only trusted resources for immigrants, teens, older adults, and those on the wrong side of the digital divide. For example, in 64 percent of the city's neighborhoods, branch libraries are the sole public hub for career services and support for…

A project was initiated to develop a cooperative relationship between local adult education programs and public libraries. It was hoped that this relationship would result in greater use of library services by undereducated adults. In return, it was anticipated that libraries would refer undereducated adults to adult education programs. While all…

Of the 13 essays presented in this special issue on libraries and adult education, 8 focus on programs and services from the public library for adult learners. These essays provide information on: (1) an Education Information Centers Program (EIC) designed to complement employment skills training provided under the Comprehensive Employment and…

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 essay reviews the major issues which must be addressed in the planning of village libraries to support development activities and adult education programs in the rural areas of Tanzania. The importance of the development of such libraries is discussed in light of the Tanzanian government's policies concerning the role of library services in…

Discussion of the need for library adult education as a component of public library reference services highlights trends (increase in adult population, technological changes) and their implications (continuing education for librarians), goals of library adult education, importance of instructional objectives, and evaluation. References and a…

Description of the California Literacy Campaign instituted by California State Library highlights statewide commitment to provide public library services to help adults attain English-language ability and local projects. Examples of several projects (e.g., Modoc County Adult Tutorial Program, Tri-City Literacy Coalition), and community-based…

Part two of the final report on the adult independent learning program focuses on the following: (1) discussion of the 11 data collection categories developed to meet the information needs of specific groups--advisors working with adult learners, planners monitoring service performance, library policy decision makers responsible for determining…

This handbook for librarians and adult basic education (ABE) teachers examines existing and potential library-literacy connections. Chapter I discusses methods and criteria for selecting and evaluating books for new readers. Both readability levels and the quality of books are considered. The second chapter examines the library's general…

This paper reports on a study in which case studies of two adult writing programs in northeastern Ohio were developed to identify and describe elements that make up the programs. Data was gathered through obtrusive observation, interviews, and questionnaires. Both programs had been on going for at least 5 years. The "Geauga Writers…

The Office of Library Independent Study and Guidance Projects, College Entrance Examination Board and 11 participating public libraries report on the adult independent learning program. This is a historical and descriptive analysis of accomplishments between July, 1972, and June, 1975. Coverage includes project planning and coordinating activities…

This is part 2 of a report on the adult independent learning program issued by the Office of Library Independent Study and Guidance Projects of the College Entrance Examination Board, and nine participating public libraries. The framework of the evaluation and its application is detailed, and the aggregate results presented include profiles of…

This report is an evaluation of the Silver Edition II Project, a program to offer library-centered humanities programming to older adults. In the program local scholars in seven geographically dispersed library systems led discussion groups made up of 20 to 25 participating older adults. This evaluation focuses on the stated goals of the project:…

The director of the Queens Borough Public Library (Jamaica, New York) examines the role of the public library in helping to prevent illiteracy and discusses innovative ways libraries can serve adult readers and learners, using the Queens model as an example. Includes a sidebar by Audrey Gorman "Toward a New Definition of Literacy." (AEF)

This report contains six presentations by members of the Task Force on Libraries and Lifelong Learning. "Library Programming for Groups with Special Needs" describes the library as a local alternative education agency, complementing school systems, and ways libraries serve adults with special needs through outreach and special programming efforts.…