Inclusive practice is well embedded across society and has developed over time. However, although policy and public view have moved forward, the way organisations address the agenda for inclusion often represents a superficial interpretation of this concept. Qualitative data were gathered using new ethnography to explore the experiences of a…

Report on the 1992 American Library Association (ALA) conference discusses featured speakers, political actions of the ALA Council, guidelines on patron behavior, the resignation of ALA Executive Director Linda Crismond, and conference exhibits. Excerpts from an address by new ALA president Marilyn Miller on empowering people through libraries are…

Provides background on federal literacy programs and legislation. Proceedings of a national literacy forum for state libraries are summarized, and priority issues identified by participants are listed. The importance of the library role is emphasized. (MES)

Describes a survey of public libraries that examined the phenomenon of latchkey children. Findings discussed include the estimated number of latchkey children in public libraries, effects on the library, library policies, and services provided and recommended for latchkey children. Specific recommendations to help public libraries clarify their…

Outlines the development of public library policies and relationships with local government. Discussed are the prototype library, the imbalance of funding between large and small libraries, lack of theory in library education, and implications of the collectivist theory. The need for strong leadership and evaluation of library programs is…

Discussion of financing database searching in the public library examines the role of the public library in providing access to information; costs of online services; and user fees. Techniques that a library can use to control online services and deliver them at a minimum cost are suggested. (eight references) (MES)

Argues that Internet filters are censorship tools that rob librarians of their materials selection responsibility. Six factors that make filters unacceptable are listed. The discussion covers pornography; filter improvements; proposals and solutions; ALA (American Library Association) Bill of Rights to Electronic Information; and library policy…

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)

Discusses the mission of public libraries in light of the decision to purchase Madonna's book "Sex." Three viewpoints are presented: a critic of selection policies that are too broad in the name of intellectual freedom; the director of a small public library with a limited budget; and a library historian. (Contains 18 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the role of academic libraries in the face of rising costs and suggests implications for library policymaking. The nature and value of information are considered; pricing issues for serials, CD-ROM products, and online searching are described; and possible solutions are offered. (26 references) (LRW)

Outlines the Family Friendly Libraries (FFL) charter and how its aims challenge equal and unrestricted access to information as mandated by the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights. Discussions include how FFL might hurt libraries, how libraries can "keep things positive" by promoting services that FFL can support, and…

An explicit, nondiscriminatory code of conduct that is based on due process standards, and the enforcement of relevant laws can constitutionally address offensive behavior problems in libraries. (AEF)

Discusses challenges to sexual materials in libraries and suggests ways to fight against censorship. Topics addressed include gay and lesbian materials; access by children and young adults; public relations programs; possible responses; selection and reconsideration policies; and the library's role in the democratic process. (LRW)

Considers issues facing academic libraries in liberal arts colleges. Topics discussed include the need for faculty support; needs of faculty researchers; collection development, including faculty demands; resource sharing; the impact of information technology; the role of the library; and current awareness services, such as selective dissemination…

The American Library Association (ALA) expresses the basic principles of librarianship in its "Code of Ethics" and in the "Library Bill of Rights" and its interpretations. All library system and network policies, procedures or regulations relating to electronic resources and services should be scrutinized for potential…