This case study explores services academic libraries provide to students with disabilities and the impact these can have on the success and experience of these students. The study focuses on staff training and outreach programming. The authors examine the academic library literature surrounding these topics, provide examples of programming…

Among public institutions, the library has great potential for helping the poor and disenfranchised. For many, the library is the only refuge for information, literacy, entertainment, language skills, employment help, free computer use and even safety and shelter. Experts Glen and Leslie Holt, with decades of service to inner city communities…

Fewer employees, shorter hours, diminished collection budgets, reduced programs and services--all at a time of record library usage. In this book, library expert Carol Smallwood demonstrates that despite the obvious downsides, the necessity of doing business differently can be positive, leading to partnering, sharing, and innovating. This…

Ask Here PA is Pennsylvania's new statewide live chat reference and information service. This article discusses the key strategies utilized by Ask Here PA administrators to recruit participating libraries to contribute staff time to the service, the importance of centralized staff training, the main aspects of staff training, and activating the…

Twenty-six scholarly papers and ten abstracts comprise the content of the thirteenth annual Brick and Click Libraries Symposium, held annually at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. The proceedings, authored by academic librarians and presented at the symposium, portray the contemporary and future face of librarianship. The…

Discussion of library consortia focuses on the collaborative efforts in the Federated States of Micronesia that will enhance library services through staff training and educating while utilizing innovative technology. Highlights include background and socioeconomic overview; a project that addresses automation and Internet connectivity issues; and…

Lack of library programs for foreign students is substantiated by a questionnaire sent to academic libraries. Specialized library handouts in foreign languages, purchase of materials about students' home countries, outreach by liaison librarian, library instruction, and staff development are suggested as means of providing service. Twenty-two…

Discusses learning disabilities and describes services that have been developed in public libraries to help patrons with learning disabilities. Topics include collection development; assistive technology; outreach programs; staff development; and sources of help and information. (LRW)

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…

The following skills are required for librarians to serve effectively as learning consultants: (1) analyze social and educational trends and discern learning needs; (2) analyze the competencies needed by librarians; (3) identify methods appropriate to achieve self-learning goals; (4) design learning sequences; (5) given client characteristics,…

Describes programs at the Redwood City Public Library (California), winner of the Library of the Year Award from Gale Research Inc. and "Library Journal." Highlights include a newly renovated building; a mission statement that reflects the library's role; staff development; increases in circulation and reference; children's services; and…

Information is provided on the funding of grant programs for the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) Title IV (Library Services for Indian Tribes and Hawaiian Natives) for fiscal year (FY) 1986. These grants have enabled Indian tribes and Hawaiian natives to improve their public library services through a number of authorized activities,…

The director of the Public Library of Nashville & Davidson County (Tennessee) discusses the library's development since 1995. Highlights include Nashville's growth potential and political climate; improving the efficiency of internal operations; staff involvement in problem-solving (technology training and systemwide programming);…

It is estimated that one in every five people in the United States has problems performing daily activities without help, perhaps due to the aging of the population and to more and more children surviving severe birth defects. The importance of library services to the disabled cannot be overestimated; they have the same information needs as any…

This practical, hands-on guide is designed to assist school library media specialists in planning, funding, implementing, and promoting special events programs. The text contains program ideas, planning documents, and tips for successful programs. Guidelines are provided on how to incorporate special events programs into a yearly curriculum plan,…