Even as libraries face the economic downturn, a record-setting number of people attended the American Library Association (ALA) annual conference in Chicago, July 9-15. The tough economy, however, was felt in the number of exhibitors, which declined from the previous record set in 2007 in Washington, DC, and in anecdotal evidence that suggested…

This paper analyzes the recent and past demographic, economic, political, and social causes of community college enrollment trends. It also discusses the effects on enrollment of proximity and low cost; the reclassification of existing institutions to two-year college status; community college usurpation of functions formerly provided by other…