Theme article on developing local history collections in public libraries begins with a discussion of collection development, and continues with sections on technical services, the library environment, staffing, programing, and marketing. A bibliography and directories of used and rare book dealers, genealogical publishers, professional…

Reviews common technical services policies relating to circulation, cataloging, and collection development that routinely prevent full access to public library resources for children and adolescents. It is argued that technical services librarians can work closely with those in youth services to ensure intellectual freedom for children and youth.…

Reviews the general climate of demands for censorship of library materials, and argues that librarians must follow the Code of Ethics and accept the responsibility for resisting censorship pressures. Suggestions for the promotion of a positive climate for intellectual freedom by librarians in public libraries are offered. (23 references) (CLB)

Discusses problems in the U.S. depository library system and offers suggestions for improvement, including cutting the List of Classes so libraries have more control over material selection; adding more public libraries as depositories; and restructuring regional depository library responsibilities so they do not have to keep all publications.…

Describes the results of Flossmoor Public Library's long-range planning initiatives for youth services, which has resulted in improvements in collection development and programing. Evaluation procedures and techniques were recognized as valuable learning tools to increase the effectiveness of services, enhance communication with the board and…

Argues that obstacles exist in the Public Library Association (PLA) planning process that can be resolved by developing relationships between materials in the collection and PLA roles. Proposes changes to help reduce conflict in the PLA planning process and discusses process obstacles, relationships as the key providing better service, and…

Discussion of the acquisition and dissemination of revisionist history materials by public libraries focuses on revisionism related to the Jewish Holocaust. Intellectual freedom is addressed, the role of the public library is considered, handling holocaust-denial literature is described, and an example from the Edmonton Public Library is…

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…

Explores mutual advantages for information literacy through public and school library partnerships. Highlights include different goals for the same audience, a shift in services and roles, exemplary national programs, and possibilities of joint collection development. Demonstrates the needs and actions to stimulate the opportunity for adolescents…

Describes the collection development plan implemented by the Tulsa City-County Library system to support their perception of the role of the library as providing more than recreational reading. Topics discussed include raising staff consciousness, rejecting demand buying, evaluating the collection, streamlining acquisitions, and procedures for…

Noting that information is needed about libraries' roles in literacy activities in terms of the outcomes, the Library Programs Office of the U.S. Department of Education awarded the Division of Library Development a grant to develop a model that would evaluate literacy activities in such a fashion. A result of this effort, this library literacy…

Discussion of the need for strategic planning in public libraries highlights a case study of a small resort town library, the Crawford Memorial Library, in Monticello, New York. Deciding on specific library roles and planning their implementation are described, and the importance of environment and competition in strategic planning is explained.…

A British consultant describes the planning involved in the development of a new public library in Greece. The organization of public libraries in Greece is explained; the community to be served is described; and planning issues are addressed, including the library role, the organization of library materials, and automation. (three references)…

Since their founding, public libraries have debated their role in providing access to popular culture. This paper describes the historical development of public libraries as popular materials centers, and traces the development of library standards, particularly the seminal publication, "Planning and Role Setting for Public Libraries: A…

Designed to provide a comprehensive literacy reference for public libraries, this handbook presents a glossary of terms, background information on functional literacy, and brief reviews of 14 additional topics: (1) literacy statistics; (2) adult performance levels; (3) the problem of adult education; (4) illiteracy generates itself; (5) about…