Technological advances and other societal change have resulted in public libraries' increased reliance on online resources when providing access to information. However, a portion of those served by public libraries includes members of urban poor populations who may prefer to interact with information by talking. How can library educators ensure…

The purpose of this study was to explore patronage and usage of the children's section of a public library. Patrons of the children's section of a public library in a small Northern Arizona city were observed for a total of 24 h over 12 sessions. Analytic induction was used to formulate categories based on field notes made during these…

There have been substantial changes in the labour market over the past few years and survey results indicate 60% of staff will leave public library service over the next decade. While this creates opportunities for library staff, limited training budgets and a focus on compliance and specific library skills training have led to a gap in the formal…

This paper describes a project that underscores the critical role of this nation's museums and libraries in helping citizens build such 21st century skills as information, communications and technology literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, civic literacy, and global awareness. Recognizing that every individual requires these…

Because they're quick and fun to read, riddles can "hook" even reluctant readers and keep them coming back for more. Riddles also improve vocabulary, comprehension, and oral reading; enhance deductive and inductive thinking skills; and promote libraries as places for fun. Drawing on her work with children in schools and public libraries, Dee…

This study is a revision of an earlier study "Library Organization, Positions and Relationships" prepared in 1969. A new classification plan and job changes required a re-evaluation. There are 51 position descriptions grouped into ten major areas of activity. The description of each activity includes: (1) the function, (2) organization structure…

Describes the organization and administration of a program designed to educate adults in the use of a library. The program, which is offered as a series of six workshops led by department members, uses library facilities and library generated materials. (JVP)

Refutes several popular but ill-founded arguments against user education for public library patrons to suggest that the only real issue is the extent of library involvement. This adaptation from a soon-to-be-published book on library user education includes seven references. (RAA)

Library skills were taught to 600 fifth- and sixth-grade students in an effort to indoctrinate them into becoming library users. (Author/PF)

Visiting the library is a great way for parents to encourage their child's imagination and learning. It gives parents the opportunity to model good reading behavior and to show their child that they value books and reading. No matter how young the child is, a trip to the library can be an enjoyable outing for parents and their children. Most…

Discussion of techniques of response to the reference query from public librarian's point-of-view covers patron's need-motivation; structuring library instruction program (teaching skills related to encyclopedia use, library instruction on special subjects-health); and assisting patron in gathering materials on-site and through use of…

A project was initiated to develop a cooperative relationship between local adult education programs and public libraries. It was hoped that this relationship would result in greater use of library services by undereducated adults. In return, it was anticipated that libraries would refer undereducated adults to adult education programs. While all…

Describes the curriculum of free training courses offered at the New York Public Library Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) that focus on information-seeking skills and information literacy. Classes offered include basic library skills, Internet and World Wide Web, business information, government information, and science information.…

A workshop for high school, public, and college librarians resulted in a list of seven basic information seeking strategies that all high school graduates should be familiar with. The strategies include perspective, familiarity, search strategies, basic library skills, awareness of the variety of information, ability to analyze materials, and…

Originally designed as a summer program to be offered through the network of bookmobiles and rural public libraries in the state, the Texas Reading Club is now also promoted year round by school and institutional libraries to encourage young readers and to acquaint them with libraries and their services. A theme, formats and ideas, and basic…