The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is committed to bringing together museums and libraries across the country for conversations dedicated to developing a better understanding of the roles of libraries and museums as providers of public service to communities. The Future of Libraries and Museums in the 21st Century Planning…

Provides background on federal literacy programs and legislation. Proceedings of a national literacy forum for state libraries are summarized, and priority issues identified by participants are listed. The importance of the library role is emphasized. (MES)

This document begins with an overview of the authority, functions, and responsibilities of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS/BPH), an agency of the Library of Congress that is responsible for administering the national program to provide reading materials for the nation's blind and physically handicapped…

In common with many other people, librarians have been too prompt to assume that availability of books and materials will necessarily lead to their utilization. What has happened in all too many American communities is that libraries are intensively used by only a small portion of the population, while the vast majority are untouched by the…

This paper urges teachers and librarians to join hands and make their voices heard prior to the convening of the White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS) in July 1991. Issues librarians should consider include how libraries can more effectively support formal literacy education; assist greater numbers of learners and…

Over 5 million students aged 6 to 21 received services under the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)" during the 2000-2001 school year. In partial response to this growing population of diverse learners, the relatively recent and highly controversial "No Child Left Behind (NCLB)" legislation has served as a…

This paper presents an overview of how American libraries have responded to the health crisis caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS information dissemination practices of libraries and the social role which American librarians have articulated regarding their special responsibilities are…

This final performance report for the Bay County (Florida) Public Library literacy project begins with a section that provides quantitative data about: (1) the size of the community served; (2) type of project; (3) targeted populations; (4) tutoring methods used; (5) measurement of student progress; (6) printed items produced; and (7) total…

Reviews the role of public libraries in adult literacy and lifelong learning in the 25 years since the signing of the Adult Education Act. Discusses collaborative projects with other government agencies, and the public library's unique role of welcoming patrons whatever their educational needs might be. (43 references/notes) (EA)

This final performance report for the Lewistown City Library L.E.A.R.N. (Let Every Adult Read Now!) literacy project begins with a section that provides quantitative data. The next section compares actual accomplishments to the following project goals for 1992-93: to serve a minimum of 25 adult literacy students within an 18-month period and to…

This final performance report for the Libraries of Middlesex literacy project begins with a section that compares actual accomplishments to the following objectives for 1992-93: (1) recruit and enroll at least 150 new volunteers in Basic Reading of English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor training; (2) have at least 125 volunteers successfully…

This final performance report for the Broward County Library New Reader Services Coordinator literacy project begins with a section that provides quantitative data. The next section compares actual accomplishments to the project objectives for 1992-93, including the hiring of a new reader as coordinator for the project and the establishment of…

This final performance report for the Broward County Library Read Campaign literacy project begins with a section that provides quantitative data. The next section compares actual accomplishments to the following project objectives for 1992-93: (1) set up a literacy office in a branch library, located on the campus of a community college, by…

A new look must be directed at the role of the public library in providing additional preschool experiences for poor children. At the national level, federally funded programs, foundation aid for children's television, and the supportive declarations of national professional organizations point to efforts for bringing services to young children in…

This final performance report describes Project FLASH (Family Learning Action Starts Here), a literacy project of the Fitchburg (Massachusetts) Public Library designed to provide opportunities for parents to improve their own basic skills while at the same time enhancing their ability to provide literacy-based activities to their children. The…