Discusses three concepts from an emergent literacy perspective that are especially relevant to libraries: literacy learning starts early; young children construct their understandings of literacy; and adults are vital in teaching children literacy. Describes several ways librarians can promote early literacy learning. (AEF)

Discusses results of a survey of factors influencing database use in public libraries. Highlights the importance of content; ease of use; and importance of instruction. Tabulates importance indications for number and location of workstations, library hours, availability of remote login, usefulness and quality of content, lack of other databases,…

Describes how extended reference service is offered within the electronic environment at the University of Central Florida Library. Discusses how new technologies, specifically electronic discussion lists, facilitate reporting and program implementation within the library community as a whole. Summarizes underlying principles, alternative…

Discusses S.R. Ranganathan's five laws (books are for use, every book its reader, every reader his or her book, save the time of the reader, the library is a growing organism) and updates them (libraries serve humanity, respect all forms of knowledge, use technology intelligently to enhance service, protect free access to knowledge, honor the past…

Public libraries emerged as educational institutions during the second half of the 19th century. Their aim was the intellectual and moral improvement of individuals and societies. After several decades it became evident that public libraries had failed as "people's universities." They came to acknowledge the provision of entertainment as…

Offers suggestions for library programs with a baseball theme, including tying into hobbies such as collecting baseball cards; a young peoples book discussion; trivia contests using different reference sources; letter writing to favorite players; bibliographies and displays; hosting former players; women in baseball; and the Negro Leagues. (LRW)

Considers the role of library support for distance learning activities at the University of Surrey, with specific reference to master's programs in linguistics and in English language teaching management, whose students have no face-to-face contact with staff since most of them work overseas. Describes the distance learners' information service.…

Describes the racially segregated public library children's collections and services in Louisville, Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee. Discusses the relationship between African American librarians and users based on original library records, annual reports, and librarians' writings; describes and evaluates the collections developed for black…

Discusses four major trends that have been encouraging the transition to a global digital library: (1) economics of the Internet, including inflation, multimedia, collaboration, timeliness, and scholarly communication; (2) improved service; (3) new digital library technologies, including network technology, data compression, full-text indexing,…

Discusses digital libraries and Web site design issues. Highlights include accessibility issues, including standards, markup languages like HTML and XML, and metadata; building virtual communities; the use of Web portals for customized delivery of information; quality assurance tools, including data mining; and determining user needs, including…

Electronic publishing creates challenges for traditional publishers and their library customers. Librarians call for an end to high prices for electronic publications and more flexibility in copying and distributing documents. Library consortia are forced to sign million-dollar deals for access to all of a publisher's on-line journals. Publishers…

To facilitate research, an agreement was reached between Emporia State University's Library Services and the Biology Division to offer subsidized online searches. Explores the relationship and how the collaboration has evolved over the years. Outlines the instruction session now being offered, and discusses its effectiveness. (AEF)

Describes services offered by the Spokane County Library District at the Spokane County Juvenile Detention facility. Highlights include author visits; cooperation with the teaching staff; meeting the varying needs of different types of residents; and reading programs. (LRW)

Includes six articles that describe public library programs for teens. Highlights include interactive murder mysteries; a girl scout sleepover program on career awareness; sign language workshop; a Science Fair help day that included guest speakers; a unit on fairy tales and legends; and a project to enhance creativity and self-esteem. (LRW)

Discussion of the need for library outreach programs for children focuses on the idea of partnering and building community relationships. Highlights include the need for a model change for library outreach; library images; staff changes; networking and marketing; communicating; and changing attitudes. (LRW)