This first of three consecutive articles examines trends for the future that emphasize libraries expanding their role in the community and individuals becoming more involved. Discusses the library as the community center for civic renewal, library as navigator, and library as coalition builder. Presents comments from librarians on reasons for and…

Considers the implications of community connections by examining a coalition developed by the Pekin Public Library (Illinois): the Pekin Intergenerational Network (PIN). Highlights include recognizing the need for coalitions; developing a team; and evaluating the coalition's progress. (AEF)

Describes the development of children's services at the Champaign Public Library. Highlights include the first physically separate space for children; collaboration with students from the University of Illinois library school; and growth in the collection and in programs. (LRW)

Describes a project in Illinois that was developed to establish communitywide capability for intergenerational programming with the library as resource center and advisor that could be used as a model for other libraries. Highlights include collection assessment; collection enrichment; bibliography development; a community workshop; material use;…

A survey of curriculum centers in Illinois academic institutions found that a wide range of library services were offered to education faculty, staff, and students and that librarians were committed to the education community and the larger university. (EA)

Discussion of the projected growth in ethnic and racial minority groups focuses on diversity in libraries and suggests strategies for assessing current library practices and planning for the future. Topics addressed include leadership, including goals, objectives, and policies; staff development; and program development, including outreach…

Discusses technical advances that affect the delivery of electronic versions of world literature to libraries. Topics include the creation and dissemination of electronic text and the use of extended character codes and markup language to preserve the form and structure of printed text. (13 references) (KRN)

Describes the "Jump Start" program, developed with Library Services and Technology Act funds and designed to provide more pre-school services to children in a poor community in Chicago. Discusses the project plan; workshops for area child care providers and future workers in the field; collection development; outreach to educational institutions;…