Technology may not be a magic wand, but innovative technology programming can genuinely help children become adept at navigating our increasingly wired world while also helping them develop deductive reasoning, math, and other vital literacy skills. One of the simplest and most powerful tools for technology-based public library programming is…

From 1988 to 1995, Partnerships for Change (PFC) led the way in developing innovative library service programs and forging new community partnerships. Today, many PFC principles--planning, needs assessment, valuing diversity, community linkages, public relations and evaluation--have been incorporated into how California public libraries plan for…

In 1998, the Houston Public Library launched a new library card campaign. Through extensive outreach, community partnerships, and the support of a major corporation, the program nearly doubled the number of children with cards in one fiscal year and increased juvenile circulation by more than 20%. The program led to an increase in library funding,…

This report describes the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library System's process of planning for a long-term literacy program for the metropolitan Oklahoma City/County area. The collection of data on community needs through interviews with local organizations and individuals and an extensive search of print and/or computerized information sources is…

The Appalachian Adult Education Center (AAEC) conducted a study of the services of two institutions, public libraries and public schools, serving disadvantaged adults in cooperation. The study was conducted at four AAEC centers in Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The problems explored included information needs of…

"Readlicious: Carry-outs Available" is a theme that can be adapted to a variety of emphases since libraries are filled with materials relating to food in many ways, and library collections feed hungry minds and imaginations in countless fashions. This manual is a smorgasbord of planning ideas contributed by many Wisconsin librarians, and…

This book covers the steps involved in developing a library-based family literacy program, as well as questions of support and funding. Chapter 1 defines family literacy, provides historical perspective, and explains the need for such programs. Several well-established, successful family literacy programs are described in Chapter 2. Chapter 3…