Although an increasingly large proportion of Americans are living to be 65, evidence indicates that little is being done to alleviate the problems of declining health diminishing income, limited mobility and social interaction, and the disproportionately severe effects of inflation upon the elderly. Despite the fact that this age group is becoming…

Four articles provide suggestions for public librarians interested in implementing library service at local institutions. Ways of locating local institutions that need library service are described. Studying the needs of the institution and formulating alternative plans for service which can be presented to the institution's director are suggested…

The first section of this guide about literacy programs in Texas features background information about literacy, including a definition of literacy; literacy statistics; a fact sheet about literacy in the United States; developmental stages of literacy; Kohl's four stages of literacy; characteristics of successful programs; barriers to and methods…

Stresses the importance of early literacy experiences for very young children and explains how children become literate. Library services, such as choosing materials to meet the special needs of young children and their parents, and outreach programs are described. Tips to share with parents on reading to infants and toddlers are included. (EAM)

Describes major influxes of immigrant populations in the United States in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, their impact on library services, and literacy programs for multicultural populations established during this time period. Questions about past and current missions of the public library are considered, and the work of librarian…

Three articles relate public library services in different areas: Project ASIA, cooperative venture of California public libraries to better meet reading and information needs of Asian community; extension services (additional stations, bookmobile) instituted by Bedford (Virginia) Public Library; and preservation of and access to local history…

This final report presents an independent formative and summative evaluation of the National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS/BPH) braille and audio magazine program. In this program, 77 magazines are distributed directly to subscribers, with 43 magazines available on audio flexible discs and 34 magazines available in…

Describes bookmobile service to Amish users in Holmes County (Ohio). Highlights include differences between students from public and parochial Amish schools; censorship; adult women users; requested fiction and nonfiction materials; and the need to understand Amish patron needs to be successful. (LRW)

Homeschooling is a fast-growing alternative to public education, and libraries must address its information needs. A resource list of 43 publications and addresses of organizations which support homeschooling is provided. (AEF)

This book provides a systematic, step-by-step process and includes practical ideas and program materials for library staff to use in their development of library services to Latinos. Designed primarily for public libraries, much of the information in the book can be adapted to school library media centers. The information in the book can also be…