This report evaluates a game coding workshop offered to young people and adults in seven public libraries round New Zealand. Participants were taken step by step through the process of creating their own simple 2D videogame, learning the basics of coding, computational thinking, and digital game design. The workshops were free and drew 426 people…

Introduction: Our paper describes three examples of how public libraries in at-risk-neighbourhoods have worked with social innovations in order to develop and strengthen their services for minority groups. The libraries were chosen because they are frontrunners in the field of cultural diversity and social inclusion in Denmark. Method: The…

Libraries across Australia are becoming increasingly involved in the development and implementation of family literacy programs, placing librarians at the centre of this initiative. "Better Beginnings" is a family literacy program developed by the State Library of Western Australian and delivered throughout the state. The program…

Public libraries in Europe have supported lifelong learning for the past 500 years. Since the Lisbon Strategy emphasized the role of lifelong learning in economic policy, public libraries have been repositioning their services to respond to this new context. In some cases, these roles are undertaken with limited legislative or strategic changes…

A study which would illuminate the problems of library service in urban low-income areas by examining a cross section of program approaches, target groups, and scopes of effort is reported in this book. This report is not an evaluation, but rather a pilot exploration of alternative approaches for reaching desired goals. The report is concerned…

Results of a five-city pilot project on information and referral (I&R) services--the nature of I&R, the public library's role, evaluation of the three-year program, the project's implications, and the future of I&R. (LS)

Discusses the effectiveness of nonbook activities as a public service or in support for other services in the public library, and describes the programing activities of the Logan Square branch of the Chicago Public Library. Ten references are listed. (CHC)

Central Massachusetts Library Administration Simulation Project (CLASP) was a research project funded under Title II-B to develop and test a simulation model that would enable public library personnel to learn and practice skills of negotiation, decision making, budgeting, and program planning. A simulation model was developed and tested in a…

Data from a research project on the value and impact of public library book reading have provided insights into the role of the public library in the reading experience. The principle of equity of access was seen as crucial, in that it provided everyone with the opportunity to encounter reading material. Respondents also compared the buying and…

Examines literature on latchkey children and public libraries, and reviews solutions to this issue. Presents four recommendations to help public libraries clarify their role in serving latchkey children: educate personnel regarding appropriate services, develop a written policy, reevaluate programs and services, become involved in a community task…

This report summarizes findings from the State Library of Florida's "Evaluation of Statewide Youth Services Program" project. The project was designed to assist the State Library of Florida in developing a long-range plan for youth services and to link the public library effort to "Blueprint 2000," the Florida education goals,…

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:…

This study investigated the construct of effectiveness as it applies to public libraries and developed a methodology that can be transferred to other types of libraries and organizations. The research team began by compiling a list of indicators that are commonly used to gauge library effectiveness within the areas of: (1) services access; (2)…

This is the second and final year report on the CLASP (Central Massachusetts Library Administration Simulation Project) which developed and tested a simulation model that would enable library personnel to learn and practice skills of negotiation, decision making, budgeting, and program planning. Specific program objectives were: (1) to upgrade the…

Forecasts of the future of the public library highlight measures of success (quick information provision); service to remote users; an information infrastructure which includes smaller branch libraries; levels of service based on staff time required; fee-based, interactive research services; a new job title of "information specialist"; and book…