This Spotlight will help readers investigate one state's plan to improve literacy with daily summer reading instruction; review how teachers can better support struggling older readers; gain expert insights into strategies for boosting reading proficiency; evaluate the merits of audiobooks for improving reading engagement; explore how short bursts…

This publication presents Maryland State Department of Education's statistical information on the following areas: (1) Demographic Data; (2) Accountability Data; (3) Financial Data; (4) Special Populations; (5) Other Programs; and (6) General Information. This Fact Book contains the latest data available as of December 2, 2010.

Touch-screen technologies, on-demand multimedia, and mobile devices are prompting a rethinking of education. In a world of increasing fiscal constraints, state leaders are under pressure to capitalize on these new technologies to improve productivity and help students excel. The task is daunting across the education spectrum, but for those in…

In this article, the author describes the Texas Bluebonnet Award (TBA), a program designed and implemented in Texas to encourage children to read more, explore a variety of current books, develop powers of discrimination, and identify their favorite books (www.txla.org/groups/tba/about.html). TBA began in 1979 through the effort of Dr. Janelle…

This publication describes Rhode Island's expenditure of funds under the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), compares this expenditure to that of other states, and presents recommendations for change in the funding policies of the Rhode Island Department of State Library Services. A list of major library programs is provided, showing the…

Discusses the role of cooperation in Washington's statewide program for library service. (PF)

This report describes the 1990 Pennsylvania Governor's Conference on Library and Information Services, which was held in September 1990 prior to the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services. The report includes brief descriptions of the planning process, the governor's regional forums, the selection of delegates, and various…

Under a grant from the Illinois State Library, a manual was prepared in 1973 as a reference guide for 18 library systems to use in their five-year planning and evaluation programs. The manual explained the Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) model. The 18 libraries used this model in various ways and reached different stages in the…

This study was made to investigate new dimensions for a statewide interlibrary loan service and the means for financing an interlibrary loan service for Kansas public Libraries in fiscal year 1972. Some new dimensions considered worthy of investigation were: (1) inclusion of some system library headquarters as suppliers to a state interlibrary…

Hawaii's State Plan for Library Programs under the Library Services and Construction Act includes the following sections: (1.0) General Provisions; (1.1) State Agency (exhibits are: Executive Order No. 19, and the Constitution of the State of Hawaii); (1.2) Free Library Services; (1.3) Tables of Organization; (1.4) Personnel; (1.5) Custody of…

The potential role of public libraries and the California State Library in a state-wide technical information system for business and industry is the topic of this report. Three levels of services are proposed for the system: (1) research centers (major academic libraries), (2) subject reference centers (major public libraries), and (3) local…

Reports results of a survey of state library agencies' research on public library operations and services. The appendix provides information on the contact person, the title of the study, and availability of materials for the 29 agencies responding to the survey. A copy of the questionnaire is included. (13 references) (MES)

Considers the need for family literacy programs and library involvement in such programs. National organizations and local library programs devoted to family literacy are described, and the California State Library's Families for Literacy Program, which provides funding for local library family literacy programs, is discussed. (MES)

Discusses resource sharing among libraries based on a study of data from the Illinois Library Computer Systems Organization (ILCSO). Highlights include differences in borrowing patterns based on the size of libraries, lending/borrowing ratios, and the volume of resource-sharing activity compared to other factors. (LRW)

Reviews the efforts of Michigan public libraries to create local and statewide electronic information services. Highlights include Internet access; libraries' roles in the community; networking climate; three local and regional projects; and statewide initiatives, including those of the state library. (LRW)