The diverse histories of the public libraries in the towns of Bonne Terre, Desloge, Farmington, Flat River, and Leadwood (Missouri) are presented. Each library is examined individually from its inception through its first few years of existence. Emphasis is placed not only on the tasks undertaken by the newly formed libraries but also on the…

This essay addresses the ambiguity and confusion arising out of two values that have been embodied in American public library ideology since at least the last quarter of the nineteenth century: concept of the public library as community institution; the public library's emphasis on service to the individual. (27 references) (EJS)

Reviews the accomplishments of Ernestine Rose, a pioneer in providing library services to Blacks in Harlem from 1920 to 1942. Her activities included involving community leaders in library governance; establishing a separate collection of Negro materials; work with the Negroes Round Table of the American Library Association; and the Harlem…

Chronicles the history of two-year college libraries from small repositories in the early 1900s to the multi-faceted learning resources centers of the 1980s. Considers the way changes in technology, federal funding, personnel patterns, instructional modes, and the mission and function of two-year colleges have affected their libraries. (DMM)

Examines the literature on public libraries and adult education from 1833-present. Proposes that the public library is indeed central to meeting adult education tasks in rural areas. Concludes that, in the absence of outside funding, the potential for adult education as a central function of the public library is limited. (Author/NEC)

Summarizes the history and growth of learning resources services (LRS) programs at community colleges. Challenges for the future are identified as focus, instructional involvement, adapting to technology, service to nontraditional students, and professional commitment. It is argued that, although the LRS concept is widely accepted, these…

This manuscript reports a study of the secondary-school library. The library, it is claimed, exists first to improve the curriculum, and second, to encourage reading as a leisure-time occupation. The purposes of this investigation are: (1) to list and describe activities and devices used in outstanding secondary-school libraries; (2) to present…