Introduction: Our paper describes three examples of how public libraries in at-risk-neighbourhoods have worked with social innovations in order to develop and strengthen their services for minority groups. The libraries were chosen because they are frontrunners in the field of cultural diversity and social inclusion in Denmark. Method: The…

Academic and public libraries are facing the challenge of finding new avenues of service and of creating value for their constituencies. This value is in the form of outcomes that result in bettering the people who use libraries and the community at large. The authors feel that librarians must find creative ways to make their communities better…

Introduction: This paper investigates participatory practices in library activities for young children and their care-givers in a specific cultural context. Method: Using an ethnographic approach data were collected through participant observations of songtimes for babies and toddlers, and interviews and group interviews with staff and…

Introduction. The purpose of this research is to investigate the significance of public libraries as educational institutions. The meaning of lifelong learning in public libraries from the perspective of women's autonomous activities is re-examined. Method. The literature of the grassroots library movement and that of the empowerment of women is…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is committed to bringing together museums and libraries across the country for conversations dedicated to developing a better understanding of the roles of libraries and museums as providers of public service to communities. The Future of Libraries and Museums in the 21st Century Planning…

Librarians tend to view themselves as agents, advocates, or promoters of educational and cultural processes, and these functions are important; but rural librarians can and should play a broader role in the community, including a role in community development activities. As information specialists, librarians have access to critical resources for…

Libraries have a special obligation to provide educational opportunity to all segments of the population, especially the disadvantaged and minority groups. Libraries have made some progress in this mission, but it is important to organize to continue work. Libraries should seek systematic participation of schools in joint programs, encourage the…

American Indian people have demonstrated their desire and need for responsive information service. It is fitting and appropriate that careful assessment, planning, implementation, and cooperation with other information agencies will enable the local reservation library to provide its community with the proper information, at the proper time, and…

Assesses the state of the public library, briefly reviewing the history of the institution and discussing library purpose, services, and patrons at the present and in the future. Seven references are provided. (EJS)

Major social institutions repeatedly reinforce the deprivation of the urban disadvantaged. Libraries, as the "Universities of the People," must commit themselves to the promotion of a better standard of life for all people, especially the poor. A close look at priorities is especially important if libraries are to pursue their mission in…

This paper describes the development of the Penang Public Library (Malaysia) Children's Library. The first section discusses the role of the community. The second section provides background, including library objectives drawn from the key missions in the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto. The third section addresses creative strategies for…

The increased competition for public funds will soon make inter-agency cooperation a necessity. In particular, the merging of school and public libraries will result in a reduction in duplication of services and savings in the areas of personnel services, building space, and acquisition of materials. The planned high school for Anderson County is…

The DeWitt Wallace-Readers Digest Library Power Initiative has been instrumental in precipitating reform efforts in school libraries. National Library Power programs have strengthened the role of the school library media specialist and the school library program. The initiative emphasizes that library media specialists integrate information…

This paper presents an overview of how American libraries have responded to the health crisis caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS information dissemination practices of libraries and the social role which American librarians have articulated regarding their special responsibilities are…

Changes in today's technology make it necessary for library administrators to look anew at the role, the mission, and the future of the public library. Economic development and education strategists recognize three types of rural communities--rural poor, traditional middle America, and communities in transition--each with different values,…