This paper illustrates how both marketing and advocacy are crucial skills to keeping the public aware of the library's impact. If marketing is promoting an individual library to increase public use, advocacy is broadcasting the purpose of libraries and the role of the librarian to garner public support. The issue of image of must be confronted, a…

Describes a program developed by the Youth Services Division at the Queens Borough Public Library's Central Library to help teenagers maximize growth opportunities, build self-esteem, and see the library as a life resource. Highlights include securing funding through LSCA (Library Services and Construction Act), recruiting participants, and…

This paper describes the status of library services in Natal, South Africa. Fragmented services dominate the area, with public, urban, and school libraries existing in complete autonomy from each other and ambivalent about each other's existence. Within school libraries, provision of services varies widely and reflects the wider apartheid…

This paper describes the development of the Penang Public Library (Malaysia) Children's Library. The first section discusses the role of the community. The second section provides background, including library objectives drawn from the key missions in the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto. The third section addresses creative strategies for…

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…

Describes a survey administered by the King County Library System (Washington) that assessed the resources of school libraries and media centers in its service areas in order to determine the public library's appropriate role and level of service in supporting students. Results indicated that school libraries in King County are not well funded.…

Discusses expectations of public library reference service and the reality of what librarians can provide amid declining resources. Suggests reference librarians should define the gap between potential and reality in reference service, and inform the customers about how little money it would take to provide better service. Argues that librarians…

Describes the Florida Born To Read (BTR) program, a statewide early literacy program that has grown from 10 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funded pilot projects in 1998-99 to include LSTA and locally funded programs in more than one-third of Florida's 67 counties in 2001-02. Sidebars list topics and presenters at BTR Capacity Building…

In the context of faster growth of community information needs and demands than growth of public funds, questions about where new resources can be found are the subject of much discussion within the library profession. This report is an attempt to raise questions and clarify issues that should be considered in advance of the formulation of library…

President Clinton discusses issues affecting libraries and explains his administration's plans regarding them. Addresses connecting educational environments to the Internet, the Communications Decency Act, the Federal Communications Commission, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and rates for "universal service." Describes federal…

Describes the Eastside Cybrary Connection, part of the Riverside (California) Public Library, developed for young people ages 10 and up in a low-income, minority neighborhood. Highlights include electronic technology and print; collaboration between the public library, academic institutions, and community-based organizations; fund raising; and the…

Discusses information literacy in the emerging information age, describes the Internet, and reviews the role of public library trustees in helping to provide access to the information superhighway. Topics include providing equal access to the Internet; staff training; adequate funding; and the leadership role of librarians. (LRW)

Describes the management, programs, and services at the Brown County Library (Wisconsin), winner of the Library of the Year award sponsored by Gale Research Inc, and "Library Journal." Highlights include involvement of library staff; financial support; total quality management; coalitions with local businesses, community agencies, and…

Explores the continuing role of the public library in society, discussing the mission of the library (highlights the Chicago Public Library's new mission statement), funding collections and buildings, technology, capital improvements, challenges to intellectual freedom, librarian education, library outreach, and private-sector partnerships. (PEN)

Discusses the results of the California "Tax Revolt," specifically Proposition 13, on public services. Examines the relationship between declining literacy levels and a lack of library skills; and proposes a program where libraries and schools can work together to restore library funding, adapt library instruction, and promote literacy.…