Argues that combining public and school libraries may overcome the scarcity that slows library development in third world countries. The relationship between libraries and development, factors contributing to successful combined libraries, and the ability of libraries to support literacy efforts are discussed. (Contains 29 references.) (KRN)

Paradoxically, for reasons both philosophical and practical, public libraries are uniquely positioned to assist the 72 million Americans who, by virtue of being illiterate or marginally literate, are not ordinarily library users. A formal link between libraries and literacy can be traced back to the 1920s when the American Library Association…

This handbook is designed to provide a comprehensive reference source about adult illiteracy for Michigan public librarians, whether or not they currently work with local literacy councils. Introductory material provides listings of members of the Michigan State Legislative Council and Library of Michigan Board of Trustees, and a listing of the…

Designed to provide a comprehensive literacy reference for public libraries, this handbook presents a glossary of terms, background information on functional literacy, and brief reviews of 14 additional topics: (1) literacy statistics; (2) adult performance levels; (3) the problem of adult education; (4) illiteracy generates itself; (5) about…

Presents an overview of literacy awareness since the 1985 publication of Jonathan Kozol's "The Illiterate American." The need for a highly technological workforce is explored and suggestions are made for the role of libraries in literacy training. A list of sources for literacy materials is appended. (16 references) (EAM)

The 12th biennial report of the Vermont State Library, statistics of local libraries, and a directory of libraries in Vermont are presented. In the 1990-92 biennium, library services in Vermont were redefined by budget constraints and by changes in information, formats, and society. The Vermont Automated Libraries System (VALS), clearer public…

This final performance report for the Alameda County (California) ESOL (English as a Second Language) project begins with a section that provides quantitative data. The next section compares actual accomplishments to the following project goals: (1) survey programs, including library collections, adult schools, and community colleges, to gain…

This book promotes a library-based curriculum for teaching reading and suggests a wide variety of books to use with new readers. It provides an outline of basic skills that literacy students must master to become good readers. It also suggests numerous skill-building activities for teachers to develop using the words and ideas derived from…

Designed to help librarians and trustees make informed planning decisions concerning the development or improvement of library literacy services, this manual discusses the following topics: (1) the problem of illiteracy; (2) identifying adult new learners; (3) providers of literacy services; (4) the library's role in literacy activities; (5)…

The Cuyahoga County Public Library (Parma, Ohio) conducted a project that involved recruitment, coalition building, public awareness, training, collection development, and intergenerational/family programs. The program, Bringing Up Readers: Family Literacy Program, was successful in encouraging and promoting family reading, community cooperation,…

This final performance report provides project outcome information and data to the U.S. Department of Education for the federally-funded Library Literacy Program. The West Georgia Regional Library conducted a project from October 1992 until September 1993 that involved collection development and providing tutoring services to adult learners in a…

The Irvington Public Library (Irvington, New Jersey) conducted a project that involved recruitment, retention, public awareness, training, basic literacy, collection development, tutoring, and intergenerational/family programs. The project served a community of 25,000-50,000 people, and targeted the learned disabled and intergenerational/families.…

"CONNECTIONS: The New Hampshire Reading Project," a project of the New Hampshire State Library (Concord), involved coalition building, public awareness, training, reading and discussion, and evaluation. The project served a community of over 200,000 people, and targeted students and tutors of library literacy programs and New Hampshire…

The Mississippi Library Commission conducted a project that involved raising public awareness, collection development, and English as a Second Language (ESL) services. The project served a community of over 200,000 people, with ESL learners as the specific target group. The goal of the project was to aid public library and other literacy efforts…

During the fiscal year 1992-1993, the Fort Collins Public Library (Colorado) conducted a project that involved the recruitment of tutors and adult learners, public awareness, training, and collection development. The project served a community of over 200,000 people, and had a target population of the local minority population, with an emphasis on…