Literacy and access to quality literacy instruction and resources is an issue of equity and an issue of social justice. Being literate represents the difference between inclusion in and exclusion from society. Examining how literacy experiences are being provided to children is critical to fulfilling this basic human right. This guide--written…

Co-author of the popular titles "Booktalking Bonanza" and "The Early Literacy Kit", Betsy Diamant-Cohen brings together 18 examples of successful outreach partnerships that children's librarians and administrators can adapt to their own situations. Contributors from the U.S and Canada explain how they partnered with schools,…

This report describes the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library System's process of planning for a long-term literacy program for the metropolitan Oklahoma City/County area. The collection of data on community needs through interviews with local organizations and individuals and an extensive search of print and/or computerized information sources is…

Describes a project in which the learning resource center of Mattatuck Community College, a member of a regional consortium, cooperated with Hispanic and other minority groups in producing videotapes. These videotapes were designed to disseminate information about minority cultures and achievements via public access television. (CLB)

Describes the cluster system of targeted marketing analysis, which uses geodemographic analysis to develop understanding of communities at the micro level. Characteristics of some types of neighborhoods found in the United States are described and the use of this approach by librarians conducting community analyses is discussed. (CLB)

Describes a process undertaken by small, rural libraries in Massachusetts in which trustees, librarians, and community leaders identified the possible roles of libraries and prioritized needs for individual communities. The results include an emphasis on community standards rather than national, and a list of three basic roles of all libraries.…

Describes guidelines issued by the Public Library Association which base evaluation of individual public libraries on community standards rather than national; identify eight basic roles of the library within the community; and provide a suggested process for libraries and communities to assess service needs and determine which activities to…

A locally developed long-range plan is the key to effective library service, and can account for circumstances unique to the service area that could not be anticipated from a statewide or national perspective. These standards are meant to guide Wisconsin libraries in structuring their own locally-focused planning efforts. Standards in the…

Presentation of a scenario in which a city council imposes fees for public library services without consulting the library director or trustees is followed by three analyses of the situation, and ways in which it should be handled by the library director are suggested. (CLB)

Designed to provide insight into both the philosophical and emotional dimensions of community conflicts over students' exposure to ideas, this report summarizes 4 current court cases and 16 previous decisions in cases involving the banning of books, magazines, and films from public schools. Some details of two recent cases are provided to…

This biennial salary survey by the State University of New York (SUNY) Librarians Association includes data on SUNY state-operated, statutory, and community college libraries. A survey mailed to library directors asked for salary and personnel information on all library staff including librarians, non-librarian professional staff,…

Introductory materials for these proceedings list acknowledgements and roundtable participants, provide the roundtable agenda, and present both the roundtable goal--to improve the quality of community information services in California public libraries through the development of a plan and program focus for the California State Library--and four…

Explores the issue of intellectual freedom and the role of the library in the community, and the extent to which community attitudes and values should influence library policy. A specific incident involving a public library exhibit of materials on gay rights in Durham, North Carolina, is described. (CLB)

Solving school problems and making policy decisions require that we anticipate how people will feel about an issue or how they will behave. School leaders must understand the values, attitudes, and beliefs brought to different situations. "The School Leader's Guide to Understanding Attitude and Influencing Behavior" makes it possible for educators…

Briefly discusses the art of story telling and describes the development of this activity as an annual event at the Key Biscayne (Florida) Branch Library. Suggestions for planning a festival are offered, covering such areas as funding, logistics, weather considerations, publicity, volunteer personnel, added attractions, and working with guest…