Explains how a public library can compute the actual cost of distributing tax forms to the public by listing all direct and indirect costs and demonstrating the formulae and necessary computations. Supplies directions for calculating costs involved for all levels of staff as well as associated public relations efforts, space, and utility costs.…

Summarizes some of the uses and benefits of the Internet for online publishing. The diversity of end-user needs and capabilities is discussed, and a user-centered approach to designing information products for the Internet is recommended. The role of librarians and the importance of communication between online publishers and users are considered.…

Chronicles the California Library Association's battle against anti-Communist censorship attempts from 1946 to 1956 in schools and public libraries as well as on the legislative front. An overview of the "Fiske report" is offered as an explanation of how intellectual freedom challenges impacted California librarians of the period.…

Examines the background, roles, services, and ways in which the modern prison library can meet the needs of both inmates and prison staff. Discusses international and national standards as well as the special skills needed by library staff to deal with difficult prison patrons. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of how school and public librarians can make children's lives better focuses on a list of 40 developmental assets that children need to become responsible, successful, caring adults. Considers both internal and external assets, the importance of relationships with patrons, and the importance of involving youth. (LRW)

Examines ARL (Association of Research Libraries) member library Web sites to assess the prominence and extent of scholarly communication information available. Discusses the lack of information on most Web sites regarding scholarly communication; ARL's efforts to encourage librarians' participation in the future of scholarly communication; and…

Discusses the role of librarians who work in advocacy organizations, provide information services in the public interest, and help facilitate the shaping of sound public policy. Considers advocacy organizations' information needs, provides several examples of libraries and their services, and discusses political considerations. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of library reference services and the conflict between richness (complexity) of services and the reach (number of users that can be served) focuses on information technology that is used in electronic commerce and available on the Internet. Discusses changing roles of libraries and networked information environments. (Author/LRW)

Discusses how libraries today are re-thinking their entire educational mission in response to changes such as laptops, connectivity, Web-enhanced learning, and portable computing. Libraries are now designed to integrate new technologies that allow digital resources to supplement and expand the library's traditional print holdings and to help…

Presents a history of academic library instruction and the role of the librarian as educator. Topics include teaching in the library versus teaching in the classroom, the role of new information technologies, and criticism of academic librarians as classroom teachers. (Contains 102 references.) (LRW)

Sophistication and accessibility can be dangerous bedfellows, especially when it comes to information sources. One of the real challenges in undergraduate academic libraries can be connecting students in a meaningful way to the resources that will be most helpful and understandable for them. This article discusses how techniques borrowed from the…

In this brief article, the author suggests that in this age of accountability, teacher-librarians sometimes become so engulfed by their role in teaching the school curriculum and standards that they forget the power of story. The author stresses, that in her opinion, the power of story is undeniable.

The role of web hate sites on the tragedy that occurred in Red Lake School and its community on 21 March 2005 is discussed. Library media specialists and technologists should make sure that students find communities with values that are life-affirming and socially responsible, as even a small thing can make a huge difference in a student's life.

Karl Kendall knows that while comic books, computers, and daily movies will grab teens' interest, what they long for most is respect. As head of Teen Central, a 4,000 square foot space on the fourth floor of Phoenix's Burton Barr Central Library, Kendall provides teens with a place where their ideas and opinions are listened to, their talents…

Few might think there is much of a connection between acting and librarianship, but Chance Hunt says his acting career in Los Angeles provided him with skills he uses today as a youth services librarian, from programming with kids to representing the library at citywide meetings. Hunt oversees system-wide services for children and teens at the…